Recently KWI CEO Celia Willis was invited to chat with Atlanta Business RadioX about community, communication and the challenges facing businesses today. She shared perspectives on topics like the Great Resignation, what it takes to maintain a healthy culture, effective leadership development and more.
During the interview, Celia referenced the biggest pitfall of organizational management: Treating culture like a stagnant concept. In reality, she shared, culture is always changing. For example, as you bring in new hires, customers, services, clients and more, your community should and does shift based on what is being brought to the table. Not only should leaders remain aware of this, but it’s important to intentionally seek out the perspectives of people within your organization. Listen to their ideas rather than assuming you already know how they feel.
Involving employees in creating and implementing change, whether cultural, organizational or process-oriented, is instrumental to success. If employees have a hand in creating or innovating within the business, they’re bound to be more invested in the company’s growth and success.
But what about the Great Resignation? Even companies with strong cultures may find themselves experiencing turnover. As Celia explained, the past year and a half has shaken people up in a lot of different ways. It has caused employees to pause and reevaluate. “That’s actually a very common reaction after experiencing something dramatic or traumatic like the global pandemic,” said Celia.
People are not interested in a company’s empty promises. Instead they’re asking questions like, “What am I doing here? Do I feel connected to what this company is doing? Do I feel like I am growing?” Employees crave clarity of purpose and mission. And as Celia notes, if there was ever a time for companies to reevaluate their “why” and intentionally communicate it to their employees, it’s now. Effective communication is critical to maintaining an engaged workforce.
Celia’s conversation with Business RadioX host Lee Kantor features perspective and in-depth insight on these topics and more, including:
- Executing leadership development
- Communicating effectively with your internal team
- Evolving your mission with your people
- The Great Resignation
- Maintaining a healthy work culture
If these ideas are interesting to you – or if it’s a perspective you haven’t considered before – reach out to our team. KWI is always glad to help organizations and leaders think through new ways to connect with their communities.
Plus, be sure to connect with Celia on LinkedIn – she loves to discuss the critical role of community and is always open to swapping ideas and perspectives on such an important topic.
Atlanta Business RadioX
