Connection

Today’s leaders within the health care industry are familiar with the following terms: transparency, teamwork, leadership, and culture.  However, there is very little discussion on connectivity in the workplace.  Connection in the workplace leads to a higher degree of engagement, retention, and a decrease loss in productivity.  

VISION + VALUE + VOICE = CONNECTION

Vision is the first link in connection culture.  A shared vision not only unites the team but motivates them to want to succeed and be proud of their accomplishments and reputation.  The rock band U2 believes in the mantra "all for one and one for all".  They have been known to describe themselves as an organism more so than an organization.  However, each of the band members share in their mission, vision, and values as well as each other as people.

 

In larger organizations there seems to be a tendency for the human aspect to get lost within the daily grid which leads to increased turnover and increased loss in productivity. The Tata Group conducts business the "Tata Way;" prioritizes people and social responsibilities.  In 2008, a terrorist attack hit two hotels in Mumbai.  Ratan Tata’s response to the attacks were to see what he could do for the families that were affected as he set out a plan that would take care of the families not only at the time but in future needs.

 

Warren Buffet joked that the airline industry hadn’t made a profit since the Wright brothers but Southwest Airlines seems to have found the ideal connection culture as it continues to be profitable.  Committed members strive for task excellence while servant leaders have the authority to coordinate task excellence and mentor others in character and strength.  When connection is present employees are more engaged, productive, and creative (Stallared,M.L., Pankau, & Stallard, K. 2015).

 

There are five reasons that connection culture should be a high priority.  Employees who feel connected:

 

1.Are at the top of their game

2.They give their best effort

3.Align their behavior with the organizational goals

4.Improve the quality of decision

5.Actively contribute to innovation

 

When everyone in the organization understands the human needs, the individual uniqueness, and helps them to meet their potential they will have a better understanding of who are the right people for the right roles.