Between Trump, zero-motivation-days and the “Robin Hood of talent”
Donald Trump will be the next US president. And in social networks, the concept of paid “zero-motivation-days” is being discussed, that is days off for employees without them having to call in sick or take vacation days.
Two topics, although of different dimensions, which for us lead to one conclusion: Companies must start to face their responsibility! Responsibility for the people who work for them, but also for society as a whole. They need a straightforward “personality check” in order to find their role in these turbulent times, to develop new solutions that will secure their future, and to spark people’s enthusiasm for them as employers as well as for liberal, democratic societies, on whose existence their business success ultimately depends.
Here is our idea for an “assessment for companies” in these turbulent times.
1. Who do you want to be?
Beyond “New Work” buzzwords, ask yourself what you want to stand for, what contribution you want to make to this world, how you want to make life on this planet better and how you want to shape your organization in specific terms. Whether there will be zero-motivation days or not, one thing is clear: the hamster wheel is not an innovative place, as labor expert Hans Rusinek puts it. Journalist Sebastian Klein finds even more drastic words, raising the question of who wants to work in companies that operate under war-like conditions. Instead, we need a new definition of business success that goes beyond turnover and profit and includes responsibility for people, society and the environment.
Some of you may have already seen on Social Media (especially on LinkedIn) that the ‘School of Moral Ambition’ is currently forming as a new movement. This movement wants to specifically attract talent away from companies that exploit people and our planet. The people who engage in the School call themselves the ‘Robin Hoods of Talent’. Hundreds of people joined shortly after it was announced; well-known founders are promoting the initiative, which is likely to hit a nerve with many people these days.
Companies now need the courage to look in the mirror, make a consistent paradigm shift, challenge their own product range and present something new and better in terms of a future that is worth living.
2. How do you want to lead?
We quote Hans Rusinek once again, who says that the power of a boss is much more present for us than that of a state. Companies shape the people who work for them. Managers bear great responsibility, especially in times of great uncertainty, when many people are looking for supposedly simple solutions or longing for the “good old days”. It is up to leaders to provide orientation. They are the compass navigating through organizational change and upholding core values such as empathy, openness, respect and collaboration.
Dr Hans W. Hagemann of the Munich Leadership Group has found an easy-to-understand metaphor for this:
“Imagine you’re a parent driving through thick fog with your three small children in the back seat and you can’t see your hand in front of your eyes. Of course you’re scared. But you can deal with it by adjusting your speed, using the fog lights and paying extra attention. What about the kids? –You can of course tell them that you’re scared and that you’re prepared for a collision at any time. But as a consequence, you probably won’t be able to control the screaming in the back seats. Alternatively, you could point to the navigation system and tell them that there’s a petrol station five kilometers away where you can take a little break with popcorn. The situation is the same, you’ve told the truth, you’ve given guidance and you’re moving on. In the future, it will be a matter of dealing constructively with growing uncertainties.”
Speaking of leadership
Good leadership also involves creating an environment of psychological safety. To achieve this, the purpose and goals of the organization must be clear (see point 1). Instead of knowing all the answers, leaders should adopt a curious, questioning mindset. Be vulnerable in the best sense of the word in the spirit of ‘vulnerable leadership’. This includes listening to employees and providing a safe space for ideas and suggestions as well as criticism and concerns. ‘Failing forward’ is what it takes to achieve progress: try things out, fall flat, get up on your feet again and do better. However, this is only possible in an environment that thrives on appreciation and sincerity. It is up to leaders to promote such an environment.
HR market analyst Josh Bersin rightly says that of all HR investments leadership development creates the greatest value. Especially as leadership skills are no longer only required at the top of organizations, but are now needed at all levels considering the trend towards flat hierarchies in many companies. Selecting the right people for these key positions is more important than ever. We have conducted one of the largest studies on the subject of ‘narcissism’. It shows that young people today are more narcissistic than previous generations. This can become a problem when filling leadership positions in particular. Companies should be aware of that and use research-based and ethical personality tests to protect themselves.
3. What does it really mean to be productive?
Good leadership also comes with creating free time for employees to escape the hamster wheel and think in depth about good solutions. These free spaces, these phases of pondering, wondering and chatting at the coffee machine should be considered a valuable and natural part of doing the job. A walk with a colleague not only creates social contact (which in itself has a stabilizing effect on democratic structures), but also potentially constructive friction and therefore opportunity for new solutions. Doing the right thing can also mean doing nothing, pausing, reflecting and discarding instead of sitting in a meeting or building a PowerPoint presentation for a product that would turn out to be pointless on closer, unhurried inspection.
With such a new baseline regarding work ethics, the discussion about whether to ‘work harder’ or receive paid ‘zero motivation days’ becomes obsolete. Not to mention that a contemporary leadership style should include abolishing practices not worthy of adults, such as micromanagement and controlling every step of your employees.
Conclusion
In a society that at the moment is characterized by frustration, fear and resignation to worrying proportions, we need companies that create a ‘climate of courage’. Companies that set new standards in how we negotiate and shape the future with a spirit of innovation and empathetic leadership. More and more well-qualified people are very likely to opt for such organizations if they have the choice. Now is the time for companies to look in the mirror and do their very own personality check. No more sugar coating and greenwashing. Now is the time for real responsibility.
Check out the full interview with Hans W. Hagemann about leadership qualities and how to find them in employees.
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