Companies are constantly seeking ways to boost operational performance. We often focus on streamlining processes, implementing lean methodologies, and investing in automation. While these are all valuable strategies, they often overlook a crucial element: People Power.
So, how can you unleash this untapped potential and leverage People Power to achieve operational excellence? We recorded a special Accelerating Operational Performance: Rewind episode where Greg Schinkel and Kirk Langford take a look back on various clips to help make this concept stick. You can view the episode here or listen to it here.
The Missing Ingredient in Operational Performance
People Power, in the context of operational performance, refers to the collective abilities, motivation, and engagement of your workforce. It is about recognizing that your employees are not just cogs in a machine but the driving force behind your success.
Think of it this way: even with the most advanced technology and efficient processes, a disengaged or underutilized workforce can significantly hinder your operational performance. On the other hand, a motivated and empowered team can achieve incredible results, exceeding expectations and driving innovation.
Understanding People Power
People Power goes beyond simply having a workforce. It is about creating an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best work. It is about recognizing the unique talents and perspectives each individual brings to the table and harnessing those strengths to drive operational excellence.
Operational excellence encompasses three key elements:
- Mindsets: Cultivating a positive and growth-oriented mindset among your employees is crucial. This includes fostering a sense of ownership, encouraging proactive problem solving, and promoting a belief in continuous improvement.
- Behaviors: Encouraging behaviors that support collaboration, innovation, and a customer-centric approach is essential. This involves promoting open communication, recognizing and rewarding positive contributions, and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.
- Capabilities: Investing in your employees’ skills and knowledge is paramount. This means providing opportunities for training and development, offering challenging assignments, and supporting career growth.
When these three elements are aligned, your employees become a powerful force that complements and enhances your technical systems and processes.
Balancing Technology and People
Phil Tocco, an experienced leader with a strong technical background, emphasizes the importance of balancing technology with People Power. In his interview, he highlights that sustainable change requires equal consideration of both the technical aspects and the human elements of an organization.
He cautions against overemphasizing technical solutions without addressing the people side of the equation. Even in highly technical environments, it is essential to recognize that people are the ultimate drivers of success.
Integrating engaged employees with technological advancements ensures that your organization can leverage both effectively, leading to more sustainable and impactful outcomes.
The Benefits of Unleashing People Power
The benefits of prioritizing team members are numerous and far-reaching. Here are just a few ways it can positively impact your organization:
- Engaged employees are more focused, motivated, and productive. They are more likely to go the extra mile, take initiative, and contribute to a more efficient workplace.
- When employees feel empowered to share their ideas and perspectives, you tap into a wealth of creativity and problem-solving potential. This can lead to innovative solutions, process improvements, and a more agile organization.
- Valued and respected employees are more likely to be engaged in their work and committed to the organization’s success. This leads to higher retention rates, reducing turnover costs and preserving valuable expertise.
- A workforce that is empowered and engaged is better equipped to navigate change, embrace new challenges, and contribute to the organization’s resilience.
- Prioritizing your team fosters a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued and connected to the organization’s mission. This, in turn, creates a stronger company culture that improves employee morale and overall performance.
As Michael Kerr, a renowned speaker and culture expert, highlighted in an Accelerating Operational Performance interview, culture is the number one driver of success and your most significant competitive advantage. He stresses that culture affects every facet of your business, from employee happiness and productivity to customer service and retention.
A strong, positive culture fosters engagement, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, while a negative culture can lead to disengagement, high turnover, and decreased productivity.
How to Unleash People Power in Your Organization
Now that we have a firm grasp on the importance and advantages of People Power, we can shift our focus to actionable strategies for harnessing this potential within your company.
Cultivate a Culture of Involvement
Creating a culture where employees feel valued and heard is essential for unleashing their full potential. Here is how you can foster a culture of involvement:
- Encourage feedback and suggestions from your team members. You can implement systems for gathering employee feedback and suggestions, such as suggestion boxes, regular surveys, or town hall meetings. Make sure employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns without fear of reprisal.
- Implement employee ideas and recognize their contributions. When employees see their ideas being taken seriously and implemented, it reinforces their sense of ownership and motivates them to contribute further. Publicly acknowledge and reward employees who contribute valuable suggestions or go above and beyond in their work.
- Promote open communication and be transparent with your communication. Keep employees informed about company goals, challenges, and progress. Encourage dialogue and transparency at all levels of the organization.
Empower Your Team
By now, we know that empowered employees are more engaged, productive, and innovative. It is easier said than done, so if you are short on ideas, here are some ways we suggest to empower your team:
- Provide opportunities for growth and development. Invest in your employees’ development through training programs, mentoring opportunities, and challenging assignments. Support their career aspirations and provide avenues for advancement within the company.
- Delegate effectively and trust your employees. You would be surprised how many supervisors or managers do a task that a team member could do themselves. Being able to delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively gives employees the autonomy to manage their work and make decisions. Trust your employees to do their jobs and avoid micromanaging.
- Support autonomy and decision making at all levels. Encourage employees at all levels to take ownership of their work and make decisions within their areas of responsibility. This fosters a sense of accountability and empowers employees to contribute more effectively. Mistakes may happen, but those turn into teaching moments!
Focus on Leadership Development
Leaders play a crucial role in unleashing People Power. Be sure to invest in developing leaders who can inspire, motivate, and empower their teams. One goal should be to train your leaders to:
- Clarify expectations
- Involve their teams
- Manage conflicts
- Build on positives
- Encourage a coaching style of leadership
- provide guidance
- support employees
- provide feedback that will help employees grow and develop
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement
- Address behavior issues promptly
These are just a few of the topics we think could benefit any leadership team. There are, of course, so many more, and you can visit our website to see a full list of topics.
By cultivating a culture of involvement, empowering your team, and focusing on leadership development, you can create an environment where your team thrives, driving operational excellence and organizational success.
Overcoming Challenges and Roadblocks
It is crucial to anticipate and proactively address the potential challenges that may arise on your quest for operational excellence. Here are some common roadblocks organizations encounter on their path to empowering their people, along with actionable strategies to navigate them successfully.
Resistance to Change
People are inherently creatures of habit. Shifting to a different method often disrupts established hierarchies, power dynamics, and ways of working. This can trigger resistance from those who feel threatened by the change. To overcome this, it is vital to:
- Highlight the positive impacts of the changes, emphasizing how they will benefit both employees and the organization as a whole.
- Involve employees in the design and implementation process to foster a sense of ownership.
- Provide ample training and support to help individuals adapt to new roles and responsibilities.
- Celebrate early successes to build momentum and demonstrate the positive impact of the change.
Lack of Trust
A People Power approach hinges on trust. If employees do not trust their leaders or each other, they will be hesitant to take initiative or share their ideas. Building trust requires:
- Transparent and open communication from leadership.
- Consistent follow-through on commitments.
- Creating a safe environment where people feel comfortable speaking up without fear of reprisal.
- Encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Lack of Leadership Buy-in
Gaining leadership buy-in is crucial for creating a high performing team.
- Present a compelling business case highlighting the positive impact of People Power on key metrics such as productivity, engagement, and retention.
- Share examples of organizations that have successfully implemented the initiatives and the positive outcomes they have achieved.
- If necessary, start with small-scale pilot projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of your initiatives before rolling them out across the entire organization.
Skill Gaps
Empowering employees to make decisions and take ownership requires a certain skill set. If individuals lack the necessary skills, they may feel overwhelmed or make poor decisions. To address this:
- Conduct a thorough skills assessment to identify any gaps.
- Provide targeted training and development opportunities.
- Offer mentorship and coaching to support individual growth.
- Encourage a culture of continuous learning.
Ineffective Communication
In a People Power environment, communication is key. If information is not flowing freely, it can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, and a lack of alignment. To ensure effective communication:
- Establish clear channels for communication.
- Encourage regular feedback and dialogue.
- Utilize technology to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.
- Be transparent about decision-making processes.
Lack of Accountability
While a People Power approach emphasizes empowerment, it does not mean a lack of accountability. Individuals must still be held responsible for their actions for both positive and negative outcomes. To foster accountability:
- Set clear expectations and goals.
- Provide regular feedback and performance reviews.
- Recognize and reward accomplishments.
- Address performance issues in a constructive and timely manner.
Time and Resource Constraints
Organizations may face challenges in terms of:
- Allocating sufficient time for training and development.
- Providing the necessary resources and infrastructure.
- Balancing the demands of day-to-day operations with the need for change.
To overcome these constraints, it is important to:
- Prioritize and plan strategically.
- Secure buy-in from leadership and stakeholders.
- Leverage technology and automation to streamline processes.
- Celebrate progress and learn from setbacks.
By proactively addressing these challenges and implementing the right strategies, organizations can successfully unlock the full potential of their workforce. Remember, the journey may not always be smooth, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Real-World Examples of People Power in Action
Examining real-world examples can provide concrete evidence of the power of People Power in driving operational success. Let us explore two case studies from the Accelerating Operational Performance podcast:
Case Study 1: Ben Whitney’s Employee Suggestion Program
Ben Whitney, a successful business owner, implemented an employee suggestion program to foster a culture of involvement and harness the collective intelligence of his team. He asked employees to submit ideas for improvement, both big and small, through an anonymous survey.
Key takeaways from Ben’s approach:
- The survey allowed employees at all levels to share their ideas, ensuring a wide range of perspectives.
- By implementing employee suggestions, Ben demonstrated that he valued their input and fostered a sense of ownership among the team.
- The implemented suggestions led to tangible improvements in operational efficiency and productivity.
Ben’s case study highlights how a simple yet effective initiative can tap into your team’s potential, leading to increased engagement and improved operational performance.
Case Study 2: Lori Da Silva’s Leadership Legacy
Lori Da Silva, the retired CEO of the London Convention Center, exemplified the impact of leadership on People Power. She prioritized employee development, fostered a culture of growth, and engendered high levels of retention in a typically high-turnover industry.
Key takeaways from Lori’s leadership:
- Lori focused on nurturing her team’s growth and development, leading to increased confidence and capabilities.
- Her leadership style fostered a positive and supportive work environment, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction.
- By prioritizing her team’s needs and development, Lori created a highly engaged and productive workforce, ultimately driving the organization’s success.
Lori’s leadership demonstrates the profound impact of investing in her people. By prioritizing employee well-being and development, she created a thriving organizational culture and achieved remarkable results.
The Enduring Importance of People Power
People Power is not just a buzzword; it is a fundamental principle for achieving sustainable operational success. It is easy to overlook the human element when there are so many technological advancements to keep up with in manufacturing. However, it is the passion, creativity, and dedication of your people that truly drive innovation, productivity, and, ultimately, your organization’s bottom line.
Remember that unleashing People Power is an ongoing journey, not a destination. It requires continuous effort, investment, and a commitment to fostering a culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute their best work.
Research has consistently shown a strong correlation between employee engagement and operational performance. Engaged employees are more productive, more likely to go the extra mile, and better equipped to solve problems and generate new ideas. They are also more likely to stay with your company, reducing turnover costs and preserving valuable knowledge and experience.
Start unleashing People Power in your organization today!
Did you enjoy this blog?
Here are some related topics that you may find interesting:
Let’s Talk Workplace Problem Solving
Ben Whitney: Improve Manufacturing Operational Leadership and Efficiency
Lori Da Silva: Essential Leadership Insights
Michael Kerr: Why Culture is the Ultimate Driver of Success
Philip Tocco: Building a High-Performance Manufacturing Culture
