The most valuable thing you can do as a CEO

Based on my experience working and interacting with CEOs in the heat of turbulent times, I have come to realize a big challenge that if not tackled has the capacity to bring down any organization to its knees regardless of the strategies or breakthrough thinking adopted. Worst still, this challenge is being accentuated now that organizations are passing through trouble waters. Ignoring or making light of this challenge could be to any CEO’s peril.

Now, what is this big challenge? It is simply “having employees who are not deeply committed in their work place and who don’t care how their organization can thrive even in the troubled waters”. Shockingly, worst than economic uncertainties are employees who are not deeply committed to helping their organization achieve its goals regardless of any situation. Worst than recession again – are people who believe that they are not cut out to “go the extra mile” for their organization especially now that they are needed the most. This unfounded belief stem from the fact that most people are not psychologically attached to the “welfare” of their organization – and are much after what comes to them.

Beyond doubt, whatever result, whatever difference any organization would like to make in these tough times, whatever growth any organization would anticipate will never come magically, but will only come through and by the people (employees). So what happens if the people an organization has are not deeply committed to their company success? That organization will never achieve its desired results, will be struggling and will ultimately be consumed by the troubled waters.

So, as a CEO, a defining question you would need to ask is “in this present economic turmoil, what is the most valuable thing I can do in my company?” Some CEOs I have come in contact with have said things like: set new strategic direction, overhaul strategic and operating plans, reduce operating expenses, increase profitability, increase brand awareness etc. To me, I believe the most valuable thing any CEO can do in his or her organization in the heat of these tough times is to ensure that employees are deeply committed to achieving their organizational goals  regardless of any circumstance. Going by the Gallup reports done in more than 140 countries, it is sad to know that worldwide, only about 13% of employees are deeply committed and engaged in their workplace. Something urgent needs to be done.

The truth is, having committed employees who are ready to go the extra mile for their organizations make the difficult journey easy. These people are motivated to be their best regardless of any circumstance. They also like focusing more on the things within their control as opposed to focusing on the things that are not within their control. This is why most employees make so many excuses during hard times, but the committed ones are usually eager to do all they can to ensure a difference is made – no matter how little.

As a CEO, please don’t lose sight of the fact that much like a football coach, providing the court, the ball and the players are no enough to win the game even with the right skills. To win the game both in the field and in the workplace, your people level of commitment to winning the game must be high.

Again, the most valuable thing (and that will also pay the most) you can do as a CEO in this tough economy is to urgently and deliberately pay attention on how you can build the Commitment level of your players (employees) to be able to win the game in this turbulent weather. Your employees’ abilities, skills, experiences and expertise could become dormant if they decide not to be committed to achieving the desired results. So this is the time to focus more on people’s commitment than skills.

Remember your greatest competitive advantage that cannot be taken away from you no matter how tough the economy is “having employees who are psychologically committed and who can go the extra mile to ensure that your organization not only survives but thrives in every situation.

Feel free and share your thoughts, comments or questions with me.