By Dr. George J. Mclean, MPA, DBA, PTMP
In today’s world, effective leadership is important for balancing operational needs with employee satisfaction. But how can we achieve this in a world where employee needs are constantly evolving and we face ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining top talent? Without addressing this question, our organizations risk becoming the next casualty of turnover.
The answer is simple! Balance the needs of your operations! Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all strategy but a tool we must use to find a way to balance the needs of all our stakeholders.
Here are a few suggestions on how to do this in our operations:
First and foremost, practice empathy and open communication! As Leaders, we should actively listen to employees and understand their concerns while clearly communicating operational needs. We can do this by having regular check-ins and team meetings to maintain a two-way dialogue!
Second, flexibility works! As the industry evolves, we must adapt our polices and procedures. Offering flexible hours or shift-swapping are a few options that will help us meet operational needs while also giving our team a higher work- life balance. The majority of our operations run 24/7, and having adequate coverage is necessary!
I also recommend that you align your organization’s goals with your employees’ needs. Our teams need to understand how they contribute to the bigger picture! It’s simple! Provide professional development opportunities, such as training or leadership programs, to help them grow while preparing our operations for future challenges.
Finally, lead by example! Leaders should model positive behavior daily! Make choices that support a healthy balance between dedication to the company and employee well-being! Show your team it’s ok to balance hard work and self-care in the workplace.
Dr. George J. Mclean, MPA, DBA, PTMP, is the Senior Business Analyst for Miami Parking Authority. George can be reached at gmclean@miamiparking.com.
