April McCullough, the general manager at North Little Rock Athletic Club, shares what is missing in today’s workforce.
Having great programs is excellent. Driving numbers is a noble ambition. Creating systems that actually work results in success. But improving the little things goes a long way in retaining top talent. Every successful organization thrives partially because of the passionate people who make up the team. These passionate people usually form the leadership team.
During a time when people are jumping across the job market, it’s important for leaders to be intentional about investing in their teams. If the leadership takes care of the team, the team will take care of the members.
Leaders will need to make time to challenge their teams, giving feedback quickly and strategically. It will take a collective effort from both management and staff, but the end result is always growth.
In addition, leaders have a responsibility to invest in and care for themselves so they are mentally prepared to handle the challenges of everyday tasks, while also giving back to those around them. Each team member is unique in their needs and requires different levels of equipping for their specific goals.
Leaders can’t manage the environment around them if their own lives are in emotional chaos. Being a good leader requires discipline and setting healthy boundaries in their work and home schedules so they can operate effectively and maintain a full tank.
So, what is missing in our workforce today is healthy leadership. There is a great responsibility to help people get back on the bus and headed in the right direction. We need leaders to show up and be an example of a healthy and valued team member.
Leadership is needed now more than ever as we move from surviving to thriving in our businesses. We can’t allow this moment of opportunity to pass us by as we restart. It is time for us to stop complaining about what is lacking and be a healthy part of the solution.
