Guest: Glenn Akramoff
In a world where workplace dissatisfaction is prevalent, Glen Akramoff, founder and CEO of Akramoff, a consulting firm dedicated to creating healthier work environments, shares groundbreaking insights on how organizations can cultivate happiness and productivity among their teams. This article explores Glen's innovative approach to fostering workplace well-being through human-centered strategies.
Engaging the Modern Workforce: A Human-Centric Approach
Glen Akramoff is not just a consultant; he is a visionary who understands that today's workforce demands more than just a paycheck. In a recent podcast interview, Glen discussed the core issues plaguing modern workplaces, notably that "75% of people in the workplace are not engaged or actively not engaged." This startling statistic underscores a widespread issue within numerous organizations, where only a quarter of the workforce feels truly committed and engaged.
Glen's firm, Akramoff, addresses this challenge head-on by ensuring that an individual’s purpose aligns with that of the company. As Glen puts it:
"The purpose of each individual aligns with the purpose of the company. If they don't, we help them find a place that is the truth."
Stories of Transformation: Real People, Real Change
The philosophy at Akramoff is not just theoretical but is applied through tangible actions that significantly impact individuals' lives. Glen shared the story of a woman who thrived after being reassigned to a role that matched her natural inclinations. "She was the administrative person... But she was a hostess. She loved welcoming people," Glen explains. By moving her to a front-desk position at city hall, she could engage with hundreds daily, dramatically increasing her job satisfaction and overall engagement.
Another poignant example Glen shared involved a team member who excelled in his skills but not in a team environment. "He did not like to work in a team, and he wasn't as successful," said Glen. Recognizing this, they helped him transition to a role that suited his preference for working independently, where he is now thriving.
The Eight Keys to Building a Championship Team
One of the most compelling parts of the interview was Glen's outline of the "eight keys to building a championship team." These principles serve as a roadmap for leaders aiming to enhance their team's performance and satisfaction:
Aligning Purpose: Ensuring personal and corporate goals resonate.
Creating Vision: Developing an inspiring organizational vision.
Defining Winning: Clearly defining what success looks like.
Defining the Season: Recognizing cycles of work and rest.
Clarifying Roles: Everyone understands their specific contributions.
Debriefing Constantly: Regular reviews to foster continuous improvement.
Understanding the Flow of Performance: Recognizing natural cycles in work performance.
Planning for the Future: Forward-thinking while celebrating past achievements.
These keys not only promote a productive environment but also ensure that every team member can contribute to their fullest potential.
Conclusion: The Path to a Healthier Work Culture
Glen Akramoff's insights provide a valuable blueprint for leaders looking to foster a more engaging and fulfilling workplace. By focusing on aligning individual purposes with organizational goals and recognizing the unique contributions of each team member, leaders can create an environment where both the company and its employees thrive.
As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of modern work environments, it's essential to remember Glen's words: "If you try to get everybody in your company to perform at their highest all the time, their actual performance will be lower." Instead, embracing the natural ebb and flow of performance and focusing on purpose over mere productivity can lead to sustained success and satisfaction.
For leaders and HR professionals looking to transform their workplace culture, consider how aligning strategies with human-centered principles can lead not only to improved engagement but also to a healthier, more productive workforce. Glen Akramoff’s methods at Akramoff might just be the blueprint you need to start making these critical changes in your organization.