by Chas Bonner
Leadership is one of those concepts that is ill-defined, and perhaps impossible to define. Nonetheless, it is of critical importance in any enterprise.
Recently, there was a lengthy study completed by the federal government (hardly a bastion of leadership) entitled “The Best Places to Work in the Federal Government.”
Of primary interest in the study was that the key factor in being a good place to work was not immediate supervisors, but rather perception of top management. Good leaders, (therefore good places to work), were those who provided meaning and importance to work, a sense of purpose, caring, and an ability to make the world a better place. Money was not meaningless, but was far down the totem pole. Purpose and affirmation of that purpose are key. Finally, deeds must follow words, and if not parallel, it is soon noticed and consequences follow.
The Center for Creative Leadership conducted a study of employee retention: In organizations where there was a prevailing perception that “top management cares,” 94% of all employees planned to stay; in those organizations where top management did not appear to care, only 43% planned to stay.
This is a compelling message to each of us, whether managing a business, farm, ranch or even household.
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