Are the members of your staff compliant or committed? Knowing the difference could make a huge impact on the productivity of your business.
Compliant employees work to fulfill your vision of their workplace. Committed employees feel invested in that vision
This stands as the greatest distinction between commitment and compliance when it comes to your workforce. Establishing that commitment in your team starts with you, as the owner. You have a plan for your business—where you want to be in six months, a year, or five years. Is that plan kept secret, or do you communicate it with the people on your team? By sharing that vision with the members of your team, and giving them input on that vision, you give your employees a feeling of co-ownership in the work being done. Your shared vision becomes a cornerstone of the entire organization.
The difference between commitment and compliance is a matter of investment. When a vision becomes shared, it affects every aspect of your employee’s performance. Your employees will feel more empowerment to make decisions because they understand the greater purpose of their work, and also have the commitment to follow through on those decisions. They go above and beyond the stated expectations of their job and become not just a valuable employee, but also a true asset to your organization.
Compliant employees fulfill their job obligations but often do so with little enthusiasm
A person who is compliant simply might be going with the flow. They know what is expected, and they fulfill those duties—usually with diligence. However, all the work of a compliant employee is done to follow the vision of someone else… you, the owner, in this case. It is also much easier for a compliant employee to become dissatisfied, as compared to a committed employee. Compliant employees are more likely to become negative quicker. They may focus more on what is wrong in their work life, rather than the positives. This negative viewpoint can lead to dissatisfaction, personal conflicts with other team members, and eventually leaving your staff, forcing you to hire and re-train someone new to take their place.
How do you encourage commitment to the members of your team?
- Be a role model – Make sure that the vision you have communicated to your employees is expressed in your words as well as your deeds. After all, your vision is not just a motto to hang on the wall; it should be a way of life for your entire organization.
- Be open – Part of earning your team member’s commitment comes when you open yourself up to feedback, both the good and the bad. Listen to what your employees have to say, and evaluate their pros and cons to find ways to improve the efficiency of your business. And by being heard, their job satisfaction should increase as well.
Perhaps you don’t know where to begin when it comes to gaining commitment from your team. Maybe you already are experiencing problems with employees showing signs of dissatisfaction. Bryant Consultants is here to help. Leadership training and team-building training are just two of the many services we provide to help your business reach the next level.
Our services can help you realize your vision, establish goals, and set processes in place to evolve your practice. Contact us by calling (877) 768-4799. We provide consultation, training, and coaching to help improve the operations of your practice (or business) so that you can provide exceptional results to your customers. No office is out of reach for us; we will even come to you!
