Business Tip Tuesday 🚀

What drives employee engagement? Commitment in the family business requires priority from everyone. The word "priority" might be a strange qualifier, but let me explain.

I believe commitment begins on a personal level. Without the foundational personal commitment skillset established as a priority, one cannot have high professional or organizational Commitment abilities.

Further, I think a connection links character with commitment. Commitment reflects what you want, and Character indicates how you will do it as a leader. Therefore, developing and maintaining a family business organizational Vision, Mission, and Values Statement is imperative. If you are serious, a family governance constitution formalizes with priority all family expectations, deliverables, and responsibilities.

Our communication style effects our unique personal effectiveness. The words we choose matter if we wish to communicate effectively personally, professionally, and organizationally! It's a mindset thing. If you work with me, you know mindset is everything. Our mindset establishes our tone. If the mindset is out of balance, desired outcomes, and thus profitability, will no doubt follow suit.

What is one typical effect of growth for a business? Effective business communication is my answer. This might surprise you, but business growth depends on the ability of the team at all levels to communicate effectively. Internally and externally. Communication is a system. Those who understand this can make measured improvements and teach others how to do the same. The business will experience growth at all levels if implemented effectively, with intentional work. If left to circumstance and interpretation, communication variables will rule the day and fall short of desired outcomes.

To me, it boils down to identifying critical inputs and outputs. Communication at the personal, professional, and organizational levels is a system. If done correctly, the team, customer, and company will have their needs met. Done incorrectly…you know the drill. Wasted resources, frustration, loss of customers and valuable team members, and profitability suffers.

Managing a family business can be a complex and challenging endeavor. Along with the usual layers of responsibilities, there's the added complexity of family dynamics that can make things even more interesting. Business culture and personal relationships can become intertwined, which can be either a blessing or a curse.

Effective business communication and relationship building are both essential components of a positive work environment.  Studies have proven that humans have a natural desire to relate to other human beings, and humans hope to connect with other humans and be accepted into the tribe.

Active Listening does not come naturally for many managers and leaders in the workplace. I even struggle, and I teach this! Those who master this skill build better relationships, find clarity, achieve goals, maximize potential, and develop superior problem-solving skills. For these reasons and several more, we as leaders and managers must enhance our listening skills.

The response from last week’s anger management piece was so positive, I thought we would provide even more resources for you on this valuable topic.  My hope here is for you to control your anger when it arises and avoid wanting a “Do Over”, which is never fun for anyone!