The focus on ‘getting on’ with the core business can mean a lack of attention to critical failings until there is a crisis. This can be avoided if leaders are attentive and are aware of key red flags that can derail success.
1. Poor Planning Processes
The way planning is treated in an organisation can create focus or chaos.
Put simply planning is regular and systematic preparation for the future in all areas. Planning processes needs to take account of the current situation and the desired destination. If there are no processes in place to facilitate this and it’s not happening, a reactive and stagnant business is a real possibility.
2. Communication Anomalies
Problematic communications can show up in the way information is shared or withheld, the way meetings are organised, and the degree to which there is clarity in terms of priorities and goals. In some organisations information is power and is treated like the currency to jostle for position. New entrants may notice, inadequate handover, a persistent sense of lack of briefing and meetings are ineffective.
Conversely, great companies have effective communication systems and they work hard to maintain this. Not only is there clarity of vision, the priorities and activities are aligned. In this ideal situation, there is a shared understanding, meetings reinforce collaboration and action taking is targeted towards achieving agreed goals.
3. Toxic Culture
It’s easy to spot a toxic culture, motivation is low, staff retention is low and leadership self-reflection is low. Managing productivity, clients’ expectations and team employment needs leadership resolve and practical actions to ensure all these areas are working well.
Unhealthy work environments exist when the management style is reactive rather than proactive, problems are brushed under the carpet and the leadership is not reflective. These environments tend to have a pattern of repeat problems and a tendency towards continuous crisis management.
These pitfalls can happen in organisations of any size. Have you noticed any of these signs?
