Establishing a Culture of Healthy Leadership: The Top 5 Essential Practices

FICS Leadership Principle #3: Know Your Organization

In the first issue of this series on establishing a healthy leadership culture, we explored the importance of knowing your people to foster a supportive and productive work environment. The second issue delved into understanding and optimizing your organizational processes. This month, we focus on a third practice you can apply to drive a healthy leadership culture: know your organization.

Here’s what it entails.

1.     Engage with Other Departments Regularly    

Start by regularly engaging with other departments. In a traditional office setting, this would involve physically visiting their workspace. In a remote work environment, this can be achieved through virtual meetings, video calls, or collaborative online platforms. Understanding how different departments function and how their work intersects with yours is essential. These engagements provide a comprehensive view of the organization, helping you identify potential areas for collaboration and mutual support.

2.     Research the Work of Other Departments    

Beyond direct engagement, invest time in researching what other departments do. Understand their mission, objectives, and the specific roles they play within the organization. By recognizing the purpose and goals of other teams, you can better align your department’s efforts with the broader organizational mission. This understanding fosters a sense of unity and common purpose.

3.     Identify Opportunities for Collaboration    

With a clear understanding of other departments’ functions and goals, seek out opportunities to collaborate. Identify areas where joint efforts can lead to innovation, increased efficiency, or enhanced services. Initiate conversations with department leads to exploring potential projects or initiatives that could benefit from combined expertise and resources. Collaboration not only drives better results but also builds stronger interdepartmental relationships.

4.     Host Cross-Departmental Opportunities    

Facilitate opportunities to bring your department together with other departments so that staff can learn about each other's work and build healthy relationships across silos. When staff understand and appreciate each other’s roles, it creates a more collaborative and supportive work environment, breaking down barriers, boosting team morale, and supporting productivity.

5.     Connect Your Staff with Key Representatives    

Identify key representatives in other departments who can assist your team in overcoming productivity barriers. Whether it’s a technical issue, a procedural roadblock, or a need for specific information, having go-to contacts in other departments can streamline problem-solving. Encourage your staff to build these connections, creating a network of support that enhances efficiency and fosters innovation.

6.     Build Relationships Across All Levels    

Get to know staff at every level within the organization. From entry-level employees to top executives, each person contributes uniquely to the organization’s success. Building these relationships can be done through virtual coffee chats, regular check-ins, or team-building activities. By developing these connections, you position yourself to better assist your staff. You can connect them with the right people and resources when needed, leveraging your network to facilitate their success. This approach not only aids in immediate problem-solving but also enhances your influence within the organization.

The Power of Connection

Getting to know your organization positions you to use your influence in positive and healthy ways. Understanding and connecting departments not only improves individual and departmental performance but also drives the overall success of the organization. By taking deliberate steps to bridge gaps, foster relationships, and facilitate collaboration, you create a more harmonious and productive workplace. This holistic approach to organizational knowledge and cooperation is a powerful tool for any leader committed to driving positive outcomes.

In the next issue, we will dive into another essential practice: “Know Your Colleagues”. Stay tuned as we continue to build on these foundational principles to cultivate a culture of healthy leadership and organizational excellence.