LEADING A THRIVING ORGANISATION

A thriving organisation prioritises holistic metrics of growth, employee well-being and societal impact, writes

LINUS OKORIE

In the words of Dr. Myles Munroe, leadership is not merely about authority or control; it’s about inspiring and motivating others towards a shared vision, devoid of intimidation or manipulation. Indeed, leaders play a pivotal role in guiding their organizations towards prosperity and sustainability. However, it’s imperative to recognize that the true measure of success extends beyond financial gains alone. A thriving and flourishing organization prioritizes holistic metrics of growth, including employee well-being and societal impact, alongside financial prosperity.

 Principles for leading a thriving and flourishing organization. One, cultivating a visionary culture. Many think that vision is about having a grandiose idea, but that’s far from the truth. It’s about instilling a sense of purpose, innovation, and forward-thinking in your organization’s DNA. As a visionary leader, you must inspire your people to dream big, embrace change, and pursue excellence in everything they do. Vision is the cornerstone of organizational success. Leaders who articulate a compelling vision inspire their teams to align their efforts towards a common goal. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., envisioned a world where technology seamlessly integrates with daily life. His

relentless pursuit of innovation propelled Apple to become one of the most valuable companies globally.

Vision ensures that everyone within the organization

understands and embraces a shared vision of the future.

When employees are united by a common purpose and

direction, they are empowered to work collaboratively towards shared goals, driving innovation, and achieving

remarkable results. Two, fostering a leadership culture. A leadership culture goes beyond individual leadership

traits or actions; it permeates every aspect of the organization, shaping its values, norms, and behaviours. By fostering such a culture, organizations will empower individuals at all levels to take ownership, initiative, and responsibility for driving positive change and achieving

collective goals. This will require intentional effort and commitment from organisations at all levels. You need to empower your employees by granting them decision-making authority. When individuals feel trusted and can make decisions independently, they are more likely to take ownership of their work and demonstrate leadership qualities. This can be achieved through delegating responsibilities and providing clear guidelines for decision-making processes. By allowing employees to have a say in the direction of their work, you create an environment that develops leaders. Building a thriving organisation comes with the demand of creating an environment where leadership is valued, encouraged, and practised by all.

Three, prioritizing employee well-being Effective leadership in a flourishing organization prioritizes the well-being and development of its members. Employee well-being encompasses not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and social aspects. By prioritizing employee well-being, organizations create environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to perform at their best. Richard Branson once said, take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of your business. Organizations that prioritize employee well-being are perceived as socially responsible, ethical, and caring by both employees and external stakeholders. This enhances the organization’s attractiveness as an employer of choice, strengthens its relationships with customers and partners, and ultimately, contributes to its long-term sustainability and growth. Prioritizing employee well-being is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic investment in organizational success.

Four, pursuing excellence. Excellence is not merely about achieving perfection; it’s about continuously striving for improvement, innovation, and the highest standards of performance in every aspect of the organization’s operations. Therefore, strive for excellence in every aspect of your organization, whether it be product quality, customer service, or social impact. Ultimately, pursuing excellence is not just a goal to be achieved; it’s a mindset, a commitment, and a journey of continuous improvement and growth. By prioritizing excellence in every aspect of their operations, organizations can drive innovation, enhance performance, and ultimately, achieve sustained success and flourishing in today’s competitive business environment.

Five, embracing generational differences. The generational shift in the workplace means that Baby Boomers (1946-1964) are retiring, Generation X (1965-1980) and Millennials (1981-2000) are today’s leaders and frontline managers, and Generation Z (2001-2020) is gradually moving into the workplace. Cultural, technological, and social changes are happening faster than ever, and these are adding to the complexity and challenges leaders face. Leaders who intend to build legacy organizations must know and understand these. Generational differences refer to the varying beliefs, values, and attitudes between age groups. These differences are caused by the different experiences people had growing up, shaping their perspectives on things like work ethic, communication, and technology. To build a flourishing organisation/ministry, you must encourage collaboration among different age groups when devising strategies, promoting a sense of ownership and contribution among all generations.

 Six, continuous leadership development. Continuous learning can be done in various ways, such as reading books and articles, attending conferences and seminars, seeking mentorship from experienced leaders, or enrolling in professional training courses. Investing in leadership development has cascading positive effects on the leaders themselves, their families, and their organizations/congregations. Don’t let be shrouded by the demands of a thriving organization, shift your minds off these priorities. The well-being of leaders within any organisation is of paramount importance. These leaders are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of shepherding their congregations and organizations and serve as the backbone of any vibrant and thriving community. Leadership is not a static process, but rather a dynamic one that requires constant learning and growth. By continuously learning, leaders can take on new challenges and develop strategies to address problems more effectively.

Seven, avoiding burnout. Leadership can be stressful, tough, demanding, sometimes misunderstood, and often underappreciated and dishonoured. They devote themselves to caring for their team, often at the expense of caring for themselves. Don’t overlook your self-care; you cannot pour from an empty cup. Just as oxygen masks are to be secured on aeroplanes before assisting others, leaders must prioritize their well-being to effectively lead and support their teams. Leaders taking care of themselves is not out of selfishness but out of wisdom – for only by nourishing themselves can they truly nourish others. Your health, vitality, and sustained relevance must be a priority to you. Don’t let the demands of a thriving organisation shift your minds off these priorities. Sacrificing personal needs for the sake of others can lead to detrimental consequences, including burnout, diminished performance, and compromised leadership effectiveness.

 Okorie MFR is a leadership development expert spanning 27 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership Centre. www.gotni.africa linus.okorie@gotni.africa