in reply to Re: Re: On Creating an Effective Work Environment
in thread On Creating an Effective Work Environment
Absolutely! So often, management set out with the best intentions in the world to create great working environments; build cohesive and cooperative teams; facilitate and promote communication; encourage and reward involvement, interest and commitment to the company/team/project. They will often put time, money and resources behind the endevour.
The problem is, that in their enthusiasm for "doing it right", they forget one crucial aspect: The human factor!
People are not the same. The environments, working methods, encouragements and perks that work for one guy can be a complete turn off to the next. Ignoring this factor and opting for a 'one size fits all' edict, completely misses the boat with respect to what they are hoping to achieve. The growing mantra of management to their employees since the late 70s has been flexibility.
Flexibility of working practices. Flexible response to the demands of the job. All too often this is seen as a one way street. For it to work, it has to be two way. Management has to be flexible in their understanding and tolorance of the preferences and foibles of their workforce.
This doesn't mean allowing guys to bunk off, or take liberties, or not pull their weight, or be prima donnas.
It does means respecting that some people work best in quiet environments and others like music. Some need comfy chairs, playpen distractions, discussion groups and team building outings. Others would simply prefer to be left alone to do their work.
It doesn't mean that they should be allowed to buck the requirements to communicate their progress or lack of it, or side step peer reviews, nor avoid administrative requirements or only work on the 'plum jobs'. That simply generates resentment.
It does mean recognising personality differences like the morning person/ evening person syndrome. Work alone/ work in groups preferences.
Force fitting people into or out of boxes by blanket edict, serves no one.
"When I'm working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong." -Richard Buckminster Fuller
If I understand your problem, I can solve it! Of course, the same can be said for you.