Leaders will be rewarded by employees who feel valued

The ability to address the so-called "people issues" within an organisation is often one of the most challenging confronting management. As we emerge from recession the early rewards are likely to come to those leaders who read the signs right and deliver on this people component early on.

Much of the business community slipped into recession mode in 2008 and were forced to review their people practices over the preceding era of good times.

Michael Barnett, chief executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, says that for many established workplaces the job of rebuilding the culture and values may well come from a new leader whose task is to reignite the firm.

What will be needed is a style of leadership to set the new platform and direction for the organisation to succeed. Once that is set, the leadership style can become more empowered as champions within the organisation are recognised.

These leaders may benefit from taking note of statistical analysis from JRA's 2008 research which sheds light on the various aspects that employees are drawn to which drive engagement and productivity within the workplace.

John Robertson, managing director at JRA summarises these findings.

"Factors such as having a sense of achievement aligned to a common purpose, feeling valued, confidence in leadership, as well as fun in the workplace are all integral for an organisation to become a well-oiled productive machine."

The real reward for employees is being a part of a team and who feel they are working for a successful organisation.

JRA runs the annual JRA Best Workplaces Survey in association with the Herald and sponsors the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and HainesAttract.

www.bestworkplaces.co.nz