Posted by Eric Hubbs on Fri, Apr 30, 2010 @ 05:34 PM
Ever wonder what great organizations have in common? My experience has shown that these organizations' leaders and management teams have a strong collective vision and the drive to operate their organization based on a clear set of core values. Operating an organization based on a clearly defined vision and values creates a domino effect of success.
Because most employees want to work toward a purpose (no matter what the industry or role they play within it), a strong vision passionately communicated by their leaders and a set of core values consistently modeled within an organization gives employees guiding principles and a sense of security and structure. These employees tend to be more committed to the success of the organization, and these organizations tend to have better than industry performance.
I was fortunate to get first-hand experience early in life with two such organizations.
The Gunther Organization
My first great organization experience was with my family. My parents had a strong vision for the type of family unit and household they wanted to create. They started their marriage with a goal to have 13 kids (my dad wanted to be beat his dad by one), and as with many organizations that have a strong vision, they beat their goal - by 4.
In addition, my parents had a strong set of 12 guiding core values (rules to live by) that they taught us and lived by themselves. These core values were framed on the wall next to our toaster, where my bread-loving family would see the core values regularly. Our vision and values were based on working hard for what we wanted, respecting one another, appreciating what we had, and giving back to our community. My parents consistently modeled these principles, instilling them into each of my siblings and me.
Shurgard Storage Centers
My second great experience was with an organization called Shurgard Storage Centers. Yes, storage centers. I spent almost eight years with this incredible organization, which had a strong vision to be the industry leader in service, quality, and employee satisfaction. Their 10 core values guided company leaders to assess annual growth plans and directed all employees' day-to-day decisions. Because this organization walked their talk, they built an incredibly committed workforce - from the hourly waged workers to the senior management - and achieved double-digit returns even in the worst economic times.
Your Vision & Values
As a business leader, what is your vision and what are your core values? You can create a more successful business and increase employee loyalty and productivity if your employees know where your organization is going and understand what their role can be in making it happen. Think of it this way, would a baseball team start the year without the goal or vision of winning the World Series?
Before you criticize your employees for making poor decisions, lacking work ethic, or not understanding the importance of their tasks, consider whether you have truly provided them with a solid framework to represent your organization appropriately. Have you communicated your vision to them? Have you modeled your core values for them? It all starts from the top, and it all starts with a strong vision and strong set of core values.
The Bottom Line
Set a clear vision for where you want your business to be over the next 3 to 5 years and identify a strong set of core values that you will operate within. Once you take the time to create these tools, share them with your team and use them as guidelines for all your decisions and actions. Do this consistently and you will create the structure for a more productive work environment and, in turn, achieve above average results.
This is the second in a series of articles on Michael's entrepreneurial story and how being raised in a large family influenced his career. You can email him at MGunther@collaboration-llc.com or call him at (805) 541-9040.
Michael Gunther is Founder and President of Collaboration LLC, a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education, coaching, and consulting services. Learn more at www.collaboration-llc.com.
Posted by Eric Hubbs on Tue, Nov 24, 2009 @ 08:51 PM
By Michael Gunther, President and Founder, Collaboration LLC
What a year this has been!
We've seen ups and downs in the ever-changing economy, challenges in growing businesses during the Great Recession, and impacts on our communities from both the housing and unemployment crises. The list of ups and downs could go on; but the list of things to be thankful for should be even longer - and can be the list that shapes our attitudes as we approach a new year.
This Thanksgiving I encourage you to take a few moments and acknowledge the individuals and situations that have assisted you in achieving your goals this year. I would like to share my list:
- The Economy - no, I'm not thankful that we are experiencing the existing economic situation, but I am grateful for the associated challenges that have made me and others better business people. We have had to go back to the basics of earning business. We have had to be innovative in creating new approaches, services, products, etc. We have had to work hard to pare down our debts and expenses. I'm grateful that these economic times have allowed businesses to rethink and reenergize their organizations to first survive and then to thrive.
- The Community - it is amazing how in a crisis people band together. We are fortunate that we live in a community that relies heavily on small businesses, because our needs have created many organizations and individuals dedicated to supporting the success of businesses. The local Chambers of Commerce, The Economic Vitality Corp., SCORE, etc. are all focused on providing resources and tools to help local businesses succeed.
- My Team - I am fortunate to have employees and business partners who share my passion for helping businesses be profitable and sustainable. Their drive and dedication inspired me through many challenges this year and continue to motivate me to be better at what I do.
- Our Strategic Partners - at Collaboration, we have a remarkable group of professional strategic partners (from lawyers and bankers to accountants to technology firms) who not only support us but also provide support and resources to our clients.
- My Peers - if you don't have a group of other business owners that you can talk to about challenges or use as a sounding board for issues and opportunities, then you are missing a vital piece of growing your business. I am thankful for the peers that I meet with on a regular basis who help me stay grounded.
- Our Clients - I am very grateful to have the opportunity every day to assist passionate people to build their businesses. I am inspired by their commitment and determination to make their dreams a reality. Every time I work with these small business owners, I am confident our economy will grow. They truly are the backbone of our economy!
- My Family - being the 14th of 17 children has provided me a large support network. Add in my life partner, and I have the balance I need to stay focused even during the most stressful days.
Is it 
cliché that during the week of Thanksgiving I am writing a list of things that I am thankful for? Maybe. But writing this list has reminded me that no matter how large the challenges I face, I have strong connections that provide me the inspiration, motivation, balance, and grounding to support me in achieving my goals.
The Bottom Line
Writing out a list of what you are thankful for allows you to see past your challenges to what matters most. Start your list today: Who inspired you? What have you learned about yourself or your business from this Great Recession? Then, make your list the foundation for setting higher goals for your business next year.
Michael Gunther is Founder and President of Collaboration LLC, a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education, coaching, and consulting services. Learn more at www.collaboration-llc.com.
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