Businesses are facing an accelerated pace of change. Leaders need to find a way to rapidly transform their organisations to compete and grow. True transformation can only occur if employees are inspired to take action to make change happen.
Communicating your vision and outlining your strategic plan to get there is simply not enough. Whether you are leading a multinational company or start-up, it takes five things to effectively inspire your workforce to action.
The five things it takes to inspire employees to action
1. Clarity of purpose
A clear reason for being
A crystal-clear view of why the organisation exists, beyond the pursuit of profit. It’s the reason the organisation truly matters to its customers which, above all else, determines its value. It is fundamental in creating a strong sense of meaning, setting direction and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
2. Joint attention
A shared sense of what’s important
Everyone from the C-suite to frontline staff has the same view of the organisation and its place in the world. They have a common understanding not only of the work that matters, but why it matters as well. Rather than generating activity, individuals are focused on creating value and moving the organisation forward.
3. Shared intentionality
An understanding of organisational goals
There’s a thorough understanding of organisational goals, and why they are worth pursuing. Furthermore, there’s a clear connection between individual roles and the organisation’s goals. Collaboration and mutual interdependence span the entire organisation resulting in a more efficient division of labour.
4. Cultural currency
A shared system of meaning
There’s a strong cultural identity, with common language, symbolism and stories ensure individuals feel personally connected to the organisation. Their group affiliation is a core part of their identity: “I’m a Googler”; “I’m a Microsofty”. They feel as though they’re part of something bigger than themselves – it is their organisation; not just something that belongs to shareholders.
5. Common fate
A belief that we’re all in this together
Everyone feels mutually or reciprocally implicated in the success of the organisation – the organisation succeeds when they succeed and vice versa. People are empowered at every level of the organisation and trusted to act in the best interests of the organisation. Bound together, the organisation presents a united front, mobilising to achieve group-level goals.
“Along with the $1.4b acquisition of
MLC, our ideology was one of the most
pivotal things we did in 2020.”
– Renato Mota, CEO IOOF
We believe vision
should inspire action