Recently on LinkedIn, I came across a list that really resonated with me – 12 harsh truths for employers, or factors that will eventually sink a company. I wholeheartedly agree with each point, and I find confirmation of this in every company I’ve worked for or consulted – there are no exceptions. I took the liberty to comment on and expand upon each point, and I would be glad if comments and real stories appeared under this post in Instagram @career.pro.
Even if there is a discrepancy in just one point, it leads to a deterioration in results, if not immediately, then definitely in the long run. Employers, do you really need this? If not, read on and think about it.
1. When your best people leave, it’s not them. It’s you.
When your top talent decides to move on, it’s often a reflection of your organization rather than solely on them. This suggests that there might be underlying issues within your company’s culture or environment that are prompting valuable employees to seek opportunities elsewhere.
2. You don’t have a remote work issue. You have trust issues.
The struggle with remote work isn’t really about the logistics; it’s about trust. This highlights the importance of fostering a culture of trust and autonomy within your team, where employees feel empowered to work effectively regardless of their physical location.
3. Management that can’t handle feedback won’t survive change.
Management that can’t handle constructive feedback is ill-equipped to navigate through periods of change. This underscores the necessity of cultivating open communication channels and a receptive attitude towards feedback to adapt and thrive in evolving circumstances.
4. If your actions don’t align with your values, your employees won’t trust you.
Actions speak louder than words, especially when it comes to organizational values. If your behaviors don’t align with your stated values, it undermines trust and credibility among your employees.
5. Your diversity program is hollow if your leadership team all looks the same.
A diversity program loses its credibility if there’s a lack of diversity within your leadership team. This emphasizes the importance of having diverse perspectives represented at all levels of the organization to foster inclusivity and innovation.
6. Underestimating the efforts and job performance of your top talents leads to decreased motivation across the entire team.
Underestimating the efforts and job performance of your top talents not only undermines their morale but also sends a demoralizing message to the rest of the team. And that might potentially lead to a decline in overall productivity and engagement levels.
7. A toxic culture will tarnish your brand, no matter how good your products are.
Toxic workplace culture can overshadow even the best products or services. Building a positive work environment is essential for maintaining your company’s reputation and attracting top talent.
8. The customer experience will never exceed the employee experience.
The quality of your employees’ experience directly impacts the quality of your customers’ experience. Prioritizing employee satisfaction and well-being is key to delivering exceptional service and building customer loyalty.
9. Micromanagement isn’t a sign of dedication. It’s a warning sign.
Micromanagement stifles creativity and morale, serving as a red flag for deeper organizational issues. Trusting your team to do their jobs without constant oversight is crucial for fostering a culture of autonomy and accountability.
10. Top talent won’t stay if their growth isn’t your priority.
High-performing employees seek opportunities for growth and development. If your organization fails to prioritize employee development, you risk losing your most valuable talent to competitors who do.
11. Leading by fear creates teams that underperform.
Leadership based on fear breeds disengagement and underperformance. Creating a culture of psychological safety and empowerment encourages employees to take risks, innovate, and excel.
12. If you don’t pay people what they’re worth, someone else will.
Fair compensation is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. If you don’t pay your employees what they’re worth, they’ll inevitably seek opportunities elsewhere that value their contributions appropriately.
When you always put your people first, they’ll give you their best and everyone wins. Does it resonate to you?