How Peer Groups Can Boost Your Business Leadership
Following the findings from ADP that 40% of the UK’s workforce is unhappy with their leadership at work, it is clear that in the changing face of business, management teams need guidance around engagement, retention and discretionary effort. Vistage Chair, Chris Everard, explains how good leadership is the linchpin to profitability and how business owners and executives can support each other to improve it.
“A key aspect for any business to have competitive edge is always its employees. Cliché as it sounds, consistency, clarity, fairness and open communication are the foundations for productive working relationships.
The business world is evolving and the way we work has never been more flexible, with hot desking, working from home, AI technology and the gig economy. Dealing with Millenials – a generation which, according to Forbes “possess characteristics and motivations that differ significantly from earlier generations in regard to the workplace” may bring added challenges to your traditional management structures. But it boils down to this; to be serious about growth, innovation and profitability as a company, your role as a leader must be scrutinised by yourself and others.
As a business coach, I’ve seen many business owners completely pull apart their management structures to no avail, because it’s them that is the root of the problem. To stay ahead of the competition, it’s never been more important to constantly challenge and question yourself and have others challenge and question you. This is where Peer Groups such as Vistage work wonders.
Taking a step back to speak to other managers, leaders and business owners in a neutral and non-competitive environment provides unique insight. If your workforce is unhappy, you may need to assess your common behaviours and those of your team that you may have never considered. I’ve found that through confidential issue processing within my Vistage groups, people have helped each other unearth the real causes of their staff problems, whether that’s limited development opportunities caused by their own micro-management, lack of interest and motivation or communication problems. Group members often come up with their own solutions before others have the chance to make suggestions, just by tentatively taking their heads out of the sand.
If peer groups aren’t for you, simply talk to your employees, and encourage brutal honesty! Constant learning and evolution, for every member of your team – including yourself, will be the key to sustainable business growth.”
Vistage is the world’s largest provider of peer groups for business owners, CEO’s and executives, with over 21,000 members worldwide. The organisation brings together like-minded business leaders to share their expertise, discuss business practices and overcome personal and professional challenges. Chris is the Midlands’ leading Vistage Chair, with five groups across the region. To learn more about Vistage, email Chris on chris.everard@vistagechair.co.uk.