Building a Stronger Team

Following some tests at work, with changes in the management and some rearrangements of leadership roles, I was asked to write down some of my concerns for the Unit Manager. This being my day off, I was inspired to use this as an opportunity to air my personal philosophy about leadership in the workplace, which I wrote up as a one-page sort of essay:

Building a Stronger Team

When we consider what makes effective leadership in the path of service, i.e. in the workplace, it is helpful to remember that we are all spiritual beings, and a nicely diverse company. As workers we are human and fallible. So to me it is helpful to keep certain concepts in mind:

* We are all deserving of respect.
* We are each doing our best at any particular time.
* We all want and choose to be here.
* Everyone had meaningful information to share.

Quality communication is service-oriented, respectful, clear and kind. How we communicate makes a difference in the quality of work produced, the continuity of care, and the efficiency of tasks.

* If we communicate in a negative way, such as fault-finding, criticizing, or using a harsh tone of voice, people can withdraw and develop an "exterior locus of control." They become the person unhappily slogging through, not using their creative capabilities for fear of being criticized or attacked.
* If we communicate in a positive way, with clear limit-setting but focusing on the strengths and positive qualities of each person, people can develop an "interior locus of control." They take charge of their duties. They employ independent problem-solving. They feel free to exercise their creative capabilities, knowing their contribution will be valued.
* We can learn to communicate positively by applying this technique: if a person has nine qualities you dislike, and only one quality you are attracted to, focus your attention on the one positive quality. You may find your attitude improves towards that person.
* Anyone in the workplace may have a useful piece of information or a different outlook to share. The most effective communication runs in all directions, not just from the top down.
* The language of leadership is most effective when it is service-oriented, rather than power-oriented.
* Flexibility is often more effective than rigidity.
* In the health-care field, common sense is a valuable commodity.
* Communication is best when it is direct. The measure of a workplace which is psychologically safe is that workers give feedback directly to each other, instead of complaining and gossiping behind someone's back.

On a separate page I also typed up a Baha'i quotation:

If ye be aware of a certain truth, if ye possess a jewel, of which others are deprived, share it with them in a language of utmost kindliness and goodwill. If it be accepted, if it fulfill its purpose, your object is attained. If any one should refuse it, leave him unto himself, and beseech God to guide him. Beware lest ye deal unkindly with him. A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning, it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding . . .