Page 158 - How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win

HOW DO I BUILD A POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT? (EFFECTIVE WORK CULTURE OR SETTING)

more on what is right than on what is wrong, building a pos-
itive work environment.
The characteristics of a work environment come into high
relief at times of crisis, which might include physical harm to
an employee, product malfunctions, family illnesses, work-
related threats, and other debilitating circumstances. At such
times leaders in abundant organizations offer personal and
organizational support and resources. Sanlam Investment
Management is a South African investment firm. When one
of its employees was tragically kidnapped and murdered, the
business leader immediately reached out to her family. He
also communicated to employees openly about the tragedy
and offered them counseling and support. Posthumously, the
deceased employee received public recognition and awards
for her service, which had great meaning to her family. By
recognizing and talking about the tragedy, the leader was
able to help other employees pull together and cope with
very difficult circumstances. 8

6. Attitude Toward Involvement:
Hands-Off Versus Hands-On

Belinda is a middle-school principal of students aged 12 to 14.
A key symbol of her leadership is her tennis shoes. She spends
much of her day wandering around the school. She greets stu-
dents (mostly by name) when they disembark from their bus;
she stands in the hallway talking to students between classes;
she visits classrooms while teachers teach; she eats in the
lunchroom; and she attends many after-school activities. Her
tennis shoes symbolize her leadership on the run, spending
time with students, teachers, and parents. Belinda’s leadership

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