Being Treated as a Person

A friend of mine recently posted on Facebook about his new job in a state government agency. His story provides a good example of the impact leaders can have on morale. (names and details have been eliminated to protect individual reputations)

 

“Today an older gentleman came into my office to introduce himself at the end of the day. He said ‘I just wanted to come in and say hello. So, how do you like it so far?’ I replied with a puzzled look on my face that I liked it rather well and these are nice people.

“He told me that morale was pretty low when he came here in the beginning of the year due to his predecessor. I looked even more puzzled until he said, ‘Oh, I'm The Secretary of State,’ to which I replied, 'oh, (gulp)... hi.'  I mean what do you say to the Secretary of State, right?

 

“I was impressed with his candor, the way he took time to just come in for ten minutes to get to know me, as he does all of the people who work there. He and I talked a little bit about what the governor is trying to do and I told him how impressed I was so far at the general attitude throughout the building. (Apparently it was not a fun place to be a year ago.)

“I have to admit that when someone as busy and important as this takes the time to come in and kibitz a few minutes with me, he wins my respect – because he shows me he respects me as a person. He was so down to earth. The way they should all be. I guess some people remember why they have a job and the people who put them there. Nice man.”

Whether or not the Secretary ever visits my friend again, those ten minutes he spent set the tone for my friend’s outlook and attitude about working there. Strong impressions are made during the first few weeks of a new employee’s arrival. The Secretary took the time to instill a sense of welcome, belonging and mutual respect, creating a foundation for ensuring a dedicated and engaged employee.

The morale in an organization can be positively or negatively effected by how the boss relates to people. The way a boss treats employees makes all the difference in a work environment. Too often top bosses, and even front-line supervisors, take their titles or themselves too seriously and treat workers like underlings. Mutual respect and recognition as a fellow human being are critical factors in the workplace. The lack of this human connection is frequently the root cause of serious morale problems.

My friend's story hints at what the organizational climate was like under the previous management. It sounds like the new leader understands his role as a “leader” and the importance of establishing a positive organizational CLIMATE.

Yes, I meant that in all caps. Organizational CLIMATE has been the core topic of several talks I’ve been asked to give recently. I’ll be blogging more about this in the near future, but here’s some homework for you.

Tell me: What’s your organizational CLIMATE like? What works, what doesn’t? Are people empowered or micromanaged? Recognized or abused? Email me at johnverricopro@gmail.com.

Maybe I’ll use your story as a case study.

Don’t worry. All information provided to me will be 100% confidential and I will only use the level of detail you allow me to.