Staying Connected to your Organization’s “Why”
Klarinet Solutions takes pride in generating high employee engagement and performance through our technology services. However, an integral part of this process is first understanding the various issues that HR, Communications, and management face and coming up with the best possible tailored solutions.
Klarinet Solutions recently hosted a breakfast panel with Strategy, Communication, and Technology experts Julie Reynolds, Katie Knott, Michelle Willard, and Rosemary Singh to learn more about why employees need purpose, how to best leverage technology, and what it takes to create the company culture leaders want. Vlad Catrinescu, Pluralsight Author, Microsoft Certified Trainer, and recognized international speaker, moderated the event and used his professional insights to ask intriguing questions and engage the audience. The advice of the panel is influenced by their years of experience in Communications, Management Consulting, Finance, and HR at renowned companies. Hear what they have to say about the importance of leadership, a company’s “why”, and how technology plays a role:
Vlad: How does a leader communicate the company’s purpose and engage employees to embark on that journey?
Rosemary Singh: When I am working with an organization, the first thing I start with is the “why?” because it’s something that everyone can understand. When we talk about purpose and mission there are conflicting answers across the board. That is why the “why” it is so important. Why are we doing what we are doing and why does it even matter? Once we get to that into place and know the answers behind that we can make our decisions more effectively. I had a couple of women I worked with and they had a couple of goals they wanted to accomplish. So I had them write out how they were going to accomplish those goals. Their organization does not have a “why” and it was really frustrating to them. So, I said, we are going to go a little rogue and create your company “why” until your company decides to develop its own company “why”. I said “until” because I didn’t want to override the company. So, we went ahead and developed a “why” and I said now let’s go back and look at your goals and is there anything you want to change. Instantly their focus shifted. It went from being very tactical to very strategic. It went from being very exclusive (my goals are only about me) to being very inclusive (how do I include the client as well as the rest of my team?). Therefore, I think that’s the first place to start is the “why”.
Culture is everywhere, in every organization no matter what, it just a matter of whether you are going to give it a name, call it out, and use it OR you are going to let it use you.
Julie Reynolds: I worked in companies in which we didn’t have a “why” and we are just here to make money and that’s a challenge… That’s actually what an executive told me when I told him that we need to engage people a little bit more and show them why we are here… he was like “We are here to make money. Why else do you think we are here? We work for our investors”… he was a CFO so…. *audience laughter
To find that “why” in your organization, some of the questions you need to ask is: “what would happen to your customers and market if you weren’t here?” and “why are we here?” looking at it the other way can be very helpful. I think the other problem is after you define your “why”, how do people connect with that in their day-to-day work, but also what technology and tools come into play?
Vlad: By using technology, how does someone in accounts payable go non-stop and stay connected with the “why”?
Katie Knott: Build that story and the connection for employees so they ask and know: “what am I doing? what is my company doing? and what is the role I play in this?” We are currently working on ramping up our on-boarding strategy and technology – where you are not only coming in and understanding your role but also understanding what the company does as a whole and what your part is in that… Tying those things externally is just as important as having our employees see and feel that connection as well.
Julie Reynolds: I think that hearing firsthand how your product has saved someone’s life is a wonderful experience that you won’t forget. And so, we are looking to amplify what we already do by using the technology to bring these stories to life.
Here at Klarinet Solutions, our initiative is to best understand the culture of companies we are partnered with. Our goal is to optimize internal corporate communications, improve workflow efficiency, and empower leaders with the tools they need to unite their people. We install a leading, customized digital workplace and modern office solutions that are simple to adopt, easy to use, and are cost-efficient. If you would like to learn more about solutions, feel free to contact us at (866) 211-8191.
