In order to be successful in business today, there are certain tenets that must be in place to ensure a business can be both competitive and effective. One of the most important, if not the most important, is respect. Respect is seen in the relationships between co-workers, between management and co-workers, and for the jobs and tasks performed.
So how does one measure the presence of respect in the workplace? I’ve assembled four key focal points to help evaluate the effectiveness of respect in your dealership.
- Management has an open-door policy. Management sets the vision and direction for the company and allows the employees to determine the proper tactics to accomplish the vision. This creates buy-in and shows the employees that the leadership team respects them.
- The employees realize that the functions they perform are vital to the success of the organization. Employees know they must accomplish their best every day to ensure that the company thrives. This leads to a healthy dose of self-respect.
- The employees also recognize the importance of other functions besides theirs in making the company successful. Employees understand the interdependence of departments on each other. This leads to respect for one another, realizing there are no “big I’s” and “little yous” in the organization.
- The entire organization comprehends the importance of the customer. Every decision is made with the customer in mind, leading to a strong respect for the customer.
Step back and take a look at your organization. Does the organization have a healthy and robust relationship between the management team and employees? Do employees know they are more than just a number? Do the different parts of the organization have equal respect and admiration for each other? Do employees put the customer at the center of every decision?
If the answer to any of these questions is negative, there is work to be done. If the answer is yes, your organization is on the path to success.