Developing High-Performing Organizations: Keys to Recruiting, Retaining, and Developing People Who Make the Difference

Abstract

Over the past 5 years, the economy has been unsettled. As a result, the culture and mood at many companies has changed as executives have reevaluated their place in the current market and developed strategies to allow them continued success. As companies evolve, it is important that they cater to their employees, who are their biggest asset. By creating a more enjoyable work environment for employees, companies are positioning themselves better for success. In this paper, we discuss five aspects of creating competitive advantages through people: (1) a belief in individual responsibility and autonomy and a strong sense of team collaboration; (2) a culture of continual training, education, and mentoring; (3) a challenging work environment in which everyone is committed to excellence; (4) open communication and collaboration; and (5) strong leadership to challenge and support employees to reach higher levels of success. Each of these topics is complex and could be discussed in significantly more detail than it is in this paper. However, our goal is to show that implementing a few simple ideas can drastically change the culture of an organization and the disposition of its employees. As our professions become more entwined with our personal lives and as people within our companies are able to work together despite their geographic location, it becomes even more important to create an organizational culture in which employees are happy and feel that they are contributing to the company’s overall goal. A company cannot be successful without devoted employees.