By Jay Biere, CEO, Meadows
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
Health and well-being is what we strive and long for in our life. We spend countless hours, money, and energy attempting to gain balance, perspective, independence, and well-being. And yet, as we examine where we spend our time, we discover our dedication to careers, work, and other labor consumes most of our disposable time. Regardless if you are a leader or staff employee, the health of your organization can be a blessing or detriment to your own well-being. So, how healthy is your organization? How do you know you are in the right spot, the right position, and, overall, the right organization?
According to Dr. Jim Laub, Professor at Florida Atlantic University, there are six key behaviors/characteristics of organization that are vital to employee well-being, improved outcomes, and overall organizational health/success; ultimately impacting your own health, well-being, and vitality. Does your organization display, exhibit, practice, or seek to implement any of these six key characteristics?
Principal 1: Displaying Authenticity
Is your organization’s leadership open and accountable to others? Is there a willingness to learn from others? How does the organization maintain integrity and trust?
Principal 2: Value People
Is there evidence in the organization that leadership believes in others and people are trusted? Leadership serves others’ needs before their own and there is an evident servant leadership model in place. Is there receptivity to non-judgmental listening and a forum for feedback and improvement?
Principal 3: Developing People
Many organizations claim they develop others. Developing others means building up others through encouragement and affirmation. So, are there opportunities for learning and growth? Does the leadership team model an appropriate behavior to support a positive culture?
Principal 4: Building Community
By building community, there is evidence of strong personal relationships. The organization is known for working collaboratively with others. And there is a spirit of valuing the differences of others.
Principal 5: Providing Leadership
Is there a vision for the future? Are there initiatives and action taken to move the organization towards these goals? Goals should be clarified and mobilized throughout the organization.
Principal 6: Shared Leadership
Shared leadership is achieved through a shared vision. There is evidence of shared power and release of control by leadership. And last, there is shared status and promoting of others.
Organizationally, there should be tools, processes, and resources that:
- Measure alignment of the organization from top to bottom
- Show an understanding of employee’s degree of engagement
- Understand the organization’s readiness for change and a clear change process
- Facilitate candid communication from supervisory teams and shared information through various links throughout the organization
- Allow for a clear process for problem solving and employee support
- Build a strong “people culture” that is building trust and openness
- Maximize what people do well (strengths) and manage weaknesses – great placement!
- Enable a frequent level of feedback and engagement with mid and top management
While there have been traditional means of understanding these needs, gaps and issues; the work place has become more complex. This is a call to leadership to understand diverse thinking, gender/culture differences, labor pool shifts, work force availability and the new now economy.
So, as you commit your time and energy each day at your work place, ask yourself:
- What are the behaviors of the organization?
- How can I influence and support the organization to move in a healthy direction?
- As a leader, what can I do to engage others and empower those around me to move towards a healthier work life?
- What are the resources and tools needed as we invest in the lives of others?
- How will my staff and customers benefit from moving forward?
- Who are the key partners that I need to have to support the cause and process?
- Am I in the right place and can I flourish given the current culture, direction, and leadership of the organization?
- Can I clearly support the mission of the organization each day?
- Do I feel like I’m in “the zone” or “ off course” ?
It’s a beginning! Strive to make a difference in the lives of others at the work place, with customers and business partners. Organizational health, sustainability, and ultimate success through these six organizational health differentiators will be key to your future and the organization. And your own well-being and health is dependent upon it.
Make each day count and choose to move forward with a positive voice!
For more information about senior living, you may contact Meadows senior director of marketing, Holly Hall, at 309-268-1501. Meadows offers a full range of senior living options —Independent Living, Independent Living-PLUS, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Care and Rehab Therapy — with two locations: Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Chenoa and Meadows at Mercy Creek in Normal.