The science is clear. Performance at work, including strong thinking, problem-solving, good decision-making and ethical behaviour are enhanced when we feel safe.
Cultivating a safe work environment is therefore the first job of any leader.
A healthy and resilient culture is even more critical for businesses operating in volatile, uncertain, complicated and constantly changing business landscape.
The findings from the Royal Commission and the subsequent loss of customer trust, has further contributed to the stress and pressure felt by leaders and employees in the Banking, Insurance and Financial Services Industry.
In this environment is not enough to just ‘bounce back’, today’s leaders need to ‘bounce forward’ and take their people with them. But shifting culture needs to be intentional; and it’s not the posters, slogans and internal marketing campaigns that matter most.
Leaders’ day-to-day interactions and habitual practices shape the culture of an organisation, which in turn drives the systemic forces that help or hinder performance.
When leaders understand how human brains respond to challenge and stress; what hinders adaptation and what is required for people to learn, they can cultivate an environment that fosters growth and development. They know how to get the best out of themselves and others. They also know how to use disruption and challenge as a springboard, not only for building individual resilience but also for strengthening the organisation.
Connie will be giving the closing address for the FSC Life Insurance Conference in Sydney on the 21 March. The presentation will highlight key findings in Learning Quest's research and assist leaders in the life insurance industry to consider how to cultivate the right conditions to build robustness and help people become stronger through change. For more information, see here.
This article was first published by Connie here.