Getting the Most Out of Your Organization

The organization is really an organic body made up of people and processes. It possesses its own culture, born out of the people and processes in place. As a leader, you must first define what those are. Ask the real questions that matter:

• Who are the influencers within and outside the organization?
• What are the processes that have been created?
• Are they strong?
• How are all of these influencing the culture of the organization as an entity?

In my career, I had the opportunity to work for 4 separate and distinct law enforcement organizations. Each one was very unique. I came to those organizations in various stages of my career and had significant leadership influence on the last 3 with ultimate responsibility for the last 2 of which I led as chief of police. The tips I am about to share are some things I learned throughout my career that helped me along the way.

PROCESSES MUST BE STRONG: Since the organization is defined by the processes created, you must determine the strength of those processes. Are they flexible or structured? Do they embrace or resist change? Do the processes encourage or discourage creativity? In evaluating this as a leader, you need to determine where you can effectively influence these processes in a positive way.

BUILD YOUR TEAM DAILY: As a leader, it is incumbent on you as the leader to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This means spending 1-on-1 time with each team member to execute the goals and objectives of the organization.

BE SURE YOUR TEAM UNDERSTANDS THE ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSE: Employees need to know two things from you as their leader - your 'why' of leading them and how that 'why' ties to the organizational purpose. When you accomplish this, you empower people to execute the organizational mission and when that occurs, you are creating great things from your organization.

PROVIDE THE “WHY” BEFORE IT’S ASKED: As leaders, we ask people to do things daily. It is our responsibility as leaders to provide the “why” of what we ask of them BEFORE it is asked. When you take the time to explain the “why”, you will make your job more effective as a leader and will provide your people with a clear understanding of how what you’ve asked fits into the overall objective of the organization’s purpose.

TAKE OWNERSHIP: Know that you must be an active part of the organization’s success and own what the organization does. Help all employees bloom where they are planted and be ever vigilant of supervisors and managers who negatively influence that ownership - whether it be you or your followers, it is important to be an “owner” of your leadership and your people’s leadership ability.

TREAT YOUR PEOPLE LIKE THEY ARE VOLUNTEERS: Of course you pay people for what they do in their job. What this "tip" means is referencing your attitude toward them. Place your mindset in addressing and interacting with your employees as you would if they were volunteer officers. Be inspirational, not manipulative. Be motivational, not transactional in your leadership interactions.

WORK ON YOUR TIMING: As a leader, you often see the changes that need to be made very quickly. Some are easier than others and some will be received better than others. Be as mindful of your timing for change as you are what needs to be changed. Understand your organization and know when the right time is to suggest change.

PROCESS IS KING: Remember, organizations are made of processes. Process is always king. Understand the process well enough to know which will fight you back and how they will fight you. In understanding this, you have an advantage to effect meaningful change without creating tremendous upheaval.

MINDSET IS KEY: Leaders have to foster a growth mindset wherever possible. From the lowest ranking employee to their executive team, understanding where each member's individual mindset is will help you set the overall mindset for the organization and help you get buy-in for the next tip...

CHALLENGE THE PROCESS: When the mindset and timing is in sync, it allows you and your team to look for ways to improve the process. Remember, you will need to expect a battle when you challenge the process, even if the mindset and timing are where they need to be.

SET HIGH STANDARDS FOR PEOPLE: Look in the mirror first. Make sure you are setting high goals for yourself before you set them for your team. When they see you walk the walk, they will more readily step up to your challenge and do the same. Remember, focus on commitment and you will get effort. What people commit to, they will give effort - every time.

HOLD PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE: When you get all of these in place, you then must hold people accountable for their actions (and inactions). Be sure you start with yourself. Leadership is about what you should do, not what you can do.

BE INTENTIONAL: Intentional means focus and attention. Make sure you are being intentional about your organization. In every tip listed above, they only work with consistency, focus, and effort. Just like a diet, when you make the effort to show consistency and focus, you will see results.

I want to hear your tips on effectively leading the organization. Send me your thoughts at [email protected] and weigh in on what has worked and what has not worked for you as a leader!

Have a great rest of the week!

- Dean