Do you know the difference between a CEO and a mountaineer scaling Mount Everest?
Both of them have extraordinary ambition, lofty goals, respect and prestige to look forward to, and aren’t afraid of the hard work. They both know that to get where they’re heading, they’ll need the right combination of resources. The difference is that everything that the mountaineer is carrying has been carefully selected to be the right tool for the right job. Many CEOs are lugging burdens around that only add weight and not strength.
For a business leader scaling the mountain of success, each member of their team becomes the ropes, carabiners, helmet, crampons, pulleys, harness, shovels, boots, maps, watch, tent, and water. Each piece must be high quality, used properly, well cared for, and, most importantly, be useful. As much as one may adore a plushy rug, it’ll only add weight and provide no help as you ascend Everest. Ropes are a must, unless you have the wrong kind or don’t know how to properly knot them. Then they become not only a hindrance, but a danger to your well being.
Vistage recently took a survey of CEOs across the nation in every industry and found a nearly universal top of mind issue bogging them down: Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent. They know that to climb from the unstable edges of 2020 and beyond to the promising heights of the coming months, the key is people.
How do you ensure you have the right people in the right roles? Apply the following four principles.
High Quality - It’s the difference between a bargain basement tent and one that will actually keep you warm and dry through any storm. What are you looking for in a team member? Set the expectations and stick to them. It's ok to hire or promote someone that may not have all the qualifications you think they need, as long as they have the drive and ability to pick up those skills quickly without constant nagging.
The easiest way to set that bar is to lay out the focus areas you expect of them. Then empower them to create and attain the goals needed to meet those requirements. Check on that progress regularly with an eye for their growth and how they’re contributing to the success of the organization.
Used Properly - Obviously you wouldn’t try to use your boot laces to secure your harness, but a surprising number of businesses do exactly that with their people. You can’t expect your hat to point you in the right direction anymore than the compass will keep the rain off you. If a worker isn’t being effectively leveraged, look at their role through the lens of the Coaching Sweet Spot. Where does the organization's need match up with that individual's abilities and interests? Can’t get those areas to match up? Then this isn’t the right role for that worker. Adjust accordingly. That could mean coaching them into another position, maybe even one outside your company.
Well Cared For - The jobs market is a tricky place right now and workers are demanding more from their employers. Take a critical look at the compa-ratio for the job market in your area and for your industry. It may be a good idea to hire an expert. They’ll be able to examine your salary bands and comp structure to determine if you’re being fair and competitive.
It’s also important to remember that workers are looking for more than a paycheck now. They need flexibility, room to grow, to be appreciated, and to feel like they are contributing. Each person will have a different definition of “well cared for.” Ask them for their input. Be prepared to address it, even if you can’t acquiesce to it.Useful - Of the four principles, this may be the most important. Each member of your team must be needed and effective in their roles. Having measurable goals with regular progress updates will ensure they are accomplishing what needs to be done while also growing their skills. Data and metrics are a must. If you aren’t using scorecards to track success, it’s definitely time to institute the practice.
There are no easy paths up the mountain to success. Getting the right tools for the job and putting them to strategic use are the only way to traverse the ever changing landscape. When you get the talent you need in the seats you need them in, everything will become so much smoother. You’ll wonder how you got so far without them.
If you’re struggling with attracting, retaining, and leveraging your team, then let’s set up a one-on-one with Gary. At no charge, he’ll hear what’s keeping you from scaling the mountain and recommend a plan of action to smooth that path. He’s spent decades coaching senior leaders through these exact issues and helped them come out on the other side with higher levels of growth and profitability than they ever thought possible. Hit that button to request some time on his calendar today.
