Successful employees enjoy coming to work and are happy to work at their jobs. Happy employees not only motivate the team, they also contribute to creating a positive work culture where employees thrive. In reality, even under the best conditions, not all employees are on the same page in terms of motivation and their commitment to adhering to rules, standards and more. To address these differences, leaders must understand that they play a role in building, contributing to and maintaining the culture and integrity of the team.
As leaders, managers, supervisors, and team members, we set examples for others to follow. Sometimes these actions are effective and motivate and inspire staff. There are times when a leader’s actions can cause or enforce negative behavior. Staff may believe that leadership and management are not applying the rules consistently. These circumstances can cause staff to be unhappy, damage the culture and give staff a reason to not give 100% of themselves.
It all comes down to policing ourselves and making sure everyone follows the same set of rules. For example, if you arrive at work on time, ready to work, clock in and begin working, that is not only what is expected of you but also demonstrates a good work ethic. By example, you are holding yourself to the standard set within the organization and respecting the rules. However, if you arrive at work, punch in, get dressed, grab breakfast and arrive on the floor ready to work 15 minutes later, you are not showing respect or setting an example of a good work ethic. It is often difficult to hold others accountable. Having confrontational conversations is not easy for most people. It is up to each individual on the team to make sure that they, along with everyone else, are following the same guidelines agreed upon and set by the practice. When we do this, we feel more in control, feel we are positively contributing to our company and will continue to perpetuate a culture of accountability and integrity.