I had the pleasure of attending the "Great Places to Work" workshop presented by Kathi Crawford and Michelle Howison with People Possibilities. Both ladies were absolutely wonderful presenters. You could tell they're very much passionate about what they do. I was grateful to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program for once again bringing something of value to me and the rest of the alumni's in attendance. They once again prove the importance of continuing education.
The morning started off with some networking as we found our seats. In GS 10K SMB fashion we were assigned seats. This time we knew it had something to do with the results of a survey we had taken when you registered for the event. Being a full alumni workshop, I was very pleased to see that we were also divided with the purpose of meeting other fellow alumni from different cohorts. As the noise level rose in the auditorium I could tell it was going to be a very energetic group.
The workshop consisted of a presentation, group collaboration with the presenters, small group discussion, followed by each small group presenting their results and Q&A during wrap up.
So what did I get out of this experience? What did I take away from this day?
Reassurance. Confidence. Humility. Pride.
I mentioned that at the time of registration there was a survey for us to fill out. I filled it out according to the practices and beliefs that we have in our company. I did not know this was to be measured in anyway... (I should have known better seeing as GS 10K SMB is all about metrics). When Michelle brought up the survey and the scoring grid, my neighbor noticed and mentioned as I opened up my results that I had a perfect score. My reaction to her was "I think I cheated because 90 percent of my employees are family!"
After the workshop ended and I was back at home, I started to think. I realized that it's not JUST luck why I got that score. I answered all those questions honestly so it can't just be luck. It's a thought process.
Kathi graciously shared a story with us about how one of her employers had taken the time to notice that she wasn't happy where she was and instead of giving her the boot, they coached her so that she may be successful wherever she found herself in the future. Michelle, clearly stated that "we cannot change anyone, only ourselves and as leaders the responsibility of change and improvements is ours to bear". I couldn't agree with this more. Before anything, we must look into ourselves as the leaders. Our behavior, our examples, our mentality.
It's quite the responsibility to have on our shoulders but it was our choice. We are not just in the business of capital and gains, profits and margins. Regardless of industry, we are all in the business of people. Because people are what drives business. Without employees, you don't have a company. It's very hard to do everything yourself. Most if not all of us should know this being small business owners.
Don't forget we are all humans. We all have hiccups, bad days and good days. We all have important moments that remind us we are humans. Whether owner, president, CEO, or employee.
Reassurance that I/my company are going in the right direction.
Confidence in my team.
Humbled by the weight of responsibility of being a leader.
Proud that my team and I got that perfect score! Haha!
Most of all, knowing that that there's more to learn and that just because we got that perfect score that day does not mean my work is done. I have to constantly be aware of my behavior and the example I am setting. I have to constantly work at keeping up the culture, respect, communication, appreciation and direction of our company and our team. Not just for us as a company but for every employee that walks through our doors. Creating advocates and great employees is something that should definitely be a part of every organization's mission.