Why You Should Lead With a People-First Mindset

Do you want to build a successful company? It all starts and ends with the people. As someone who has climbed the corporate ladder to become CEO, I can’t stress enough how important it is to prioritize your team and company culture. I’ve learned how easy it is to get caught up in other important elements of business—sales, product, strategy—and let others, like HR or managers, focus on company culture.

And yet, the minute you lose sight of the people, the others falter and become far harder to execute with a high level of success.

This leads to frustration and blame and often to acceptance of mediocrity. I have seen this in companies countless times. What motivated me to write this blog was from an encounter I had just last week.

A People-First Company is in the “Long Game” of success and knows that this investment may take time, but it returns long-term dividends and compounds at a higher ROI than band-aids or short-term fixes.

Whether you’re running a major corporation or a small business, remember that everything hinges on the people you bring on board and how you treat them. Here are some tips for business leaders who want to prioritize their team and company culture.

Hire an entrepreneurial-minded team: To keep up with the fast-paced market, you need people who are hungry for success and willing to work as if it were their own company. Foster their passion and reward their hard work. Encourage them to contribute ideas and strategies by giving them a voice.

Recognize: As a leader, it’s crucial to stoke that fire with gratitude, recognition, and reward and make sure they all have a voice to contribute ideas, suggestions and strategies. Nothing kills motivation and drive faster than getting shut out of the conversation. If you want your team to work as though they’re personally invested in company success, you have to give them the floor and an opportunity to reap rewards

Don’t hire “yes” people: Avoid employees who never push back. It’s important to have open and transparent conversations where ideas can be challenged, and different perspectives are valued. Surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to speak their minds and help you make better decisions. If they don’t ask questions and don’t challenge you from time to time, you’ve either hired the wrong people or you put them in a passive position due to poor leadership approaches.

Create a people-first culture: Cultivate a workplace environment that motivates and inspires your team. Celebrate wins, but make sure the recognition is authentic and reflects the real impact on the company’s growth. Focus on organizational alignment, process improvements, and profitability. Tie wins to behaviors that drive these values. Make recognition part of your leadership DNA. Manage by walking around and catch them doing it right. Yes, even if it is them “just doing their job.”

Don’t skimp on mentorship: Invest in nurturing future leaders within your company. It’s essential for long-term growth and ensures a smooth transition as you promote team members to higher positions. When you have an internal succession plan for all current and future positions, it forces you to make sure that the development of direct reports is a key attribute of your leadership team. Make time for mentoring sessions and show your commitment to their personal growth and the success of the company.

Build a company “powered by people”: Prioritize the people in your business. Hire the right team members, create a healthy workplace environment, and adopt a coaching mentality. Remember my motto, “ No matter what business you’re in, you’re in the people business.” Embrace this mindset, and the rest will fall into place.

At Results Driven Leadership, we specialize in helping companies excel in three key areas: organizational alignment, systems and process improvements, and profitability. Our coaching and training programs for managers and executives focus on tying success to behaviors that drive these values.

Recognize and highlight employees who make a significant contribution. Whether it’s through LinkedIn or an internal portal, giving a shout-out to an employee’s accomplishments can go a long way. Take, for instance, one of our clients who recognized an IT staff member responsible for disaster recovery strategy. While it may not sound glamorous, it is crucial for their operations and business continuity. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it when you need it.

Effective Employee Recognition: 5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Show Appreciation. Recognizing and rewarding your employees doesn’t have to break the bank. Discover five inexpensive strategies that can make a big impact:

• Personalized Thank-You Notes: A heartfelt, handwritten note from a manager or executive can leave a lasting impression. By acknowledging specific achievements and contributions, you demonstrate that your employees’ hard work is genuinely valued.
• Flexibility in Work Hours: Granting your employees the freedom to adjust their schedules can be a powerful gesture of appreciation. Whether they need to arrive late, leave early, or enjoy a longer lunch break, it shows that you care about their work-life balance.
• Public Recognition: Boost morale and inspire others by publicly celebrating successes. Whether it’s during team meetings or through company-wide emails, shining a spotlight on an employee’s accomplishments motivates them and encourages their peers.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Invest in your employees’ growth and demonstrate their value by offering access to relevant online courses, webinars, or workshops. While there may be a modest cost involved, it’s an investment that yields future benefits for both the individual and the company.
• Casual Dress Day or Theme Days: Lighten the atmosphere in the office and show appreciation with fun, casual dress days or themed events. From retro attire to favorite movie character costumes, these lighthearted gestures bring the team together and celebrate their collective efforts.

By implementing these simple and cost-effective gestures, you can create a workplace culture that prioritizes recognition and appreciation. Boost morale, foster a positive environment, and watch your employees thrive.

Don’t underestimate the power of mentorship. Cultivating the next generation of leaders is vital for company growth. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to invest time and effort into mentoring promising individuals. It may be tempting to skip these sessions when things get busy but think of it as a strategic investment in the future of your company.

• Unlock the full potential of your company with a structured and impactful mentorship program. By aligning with your organization’s goals and the developmental needs of your employees, this program can foster skill development, improve retention, and facilitate knowledge transfer.
• Start by identifying clear objectives that will guide the program’s direction. Next, select potential mentors who possess the expertise, interpersonal skills, and willingness to guide others. Provide comprehensive training to equip them with the necessary tools and techniques to excel in their mentorship roles.
• Thoughtfully pair mentors with mentees, considering factors such as career goals, personalities, and areas of interest. Schedule regular check-ins and feedback sessions to assess the program’s effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments.

To ensure success, create a supportive environment that prioritizes open communication, mutual respect, and continuous learning. Together, we can create a mentorship program that empowers your employees and drives your organization towards success.

Build a company that prioritizes its people. Many executives focus on other aspects of the business, but if you hire the right team members, create a healthy work environment, and adopt a coaching mentality, you’re already on the path to success. Remember, regardless of your industry, you’re in the people business. When you prioritize your people, everything else falls into place.

Putting people first is crucial for several reasons. Your employees are the backbone of your business, and their skills and dedication determine your success. By creating a culture that values and appreciates them, you foster a positive work environment and attract top talent. At Results Driven Leadership, we believe that when people thrive, businesses thrive.

Remember, putting people first is the key to building a successful company. Prioritize your team, nurture a positive culture, and watch your business thrive.

Achieve tangible outcomes and unite your team towards common goals with Results Driven Leadership (RDL). Our RDL approach equips you and your management team with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for a “People First Mindset.” Prioritize the well-being, growth, and contributions of each team member, understanding that motivated and engaged employees yield the best results. Learn to set clear expectations, provide consistent feedback, and celebrate achievements, all while keeping the human element at the forefront.

By incorporating RDL principles, you can strike a balance between business objectives and nurturing the individual strengths and aspirations of your team. Embrace this holistic approach to drive performance and cultivate a culture where everyone feels valued, understood, and empowered to contribute their best.