When we accept that the nature of today’s work environments is inherently complex, ambiguous, fast-paced, constantly changing and requires a continuous high level of excellence, then we must acknowledge that workplace ‘stress’ is here to stay and our job now is to learn how to best manage, lead and work amid the chaos.
The results of over a decade of neuroscience research and advanced neuro-imaging technology has proven that the chaotic work environment that we find ourselves in triggers biological reactions that we must become aware of on an individual level, otherwise we will suffer the adverse effects that lead to poor health, poor performance and unhealthy relationships. The findings also indicate that the only tangible evidence of one’s ability (or inability) to cope with this chaotic-type of work environment is often one’s behaviour. Workplace behaviour then, takes on a whole new importance, and a person’s behaviour skill (which has always been the soft side of performance) now becomes a key performance indicator (kpi).
As behavioural skill becomes more and more important in the performance equation (Performance = Technical Skill x Behavioural Skill), it becomes more and more important for organizations and leaders to identify what effective and productive behaviour is, and then to hold each other accountable for it. As with any performance management plan, continuous improvement is essential, and therefore a new focus is appearing on behaviour skill as a performance objective in the organizational quality improvement plan.
The skill of Positive Presence™ is an innovative thought model connecting workplace behaviour to mindset and human energy, and provides a systematic, programmatic methodology for equipping leaders with the knowledge and understanding necessary for developing and sustaining the behaviour skills indicative of a high-performing workforce – one that underpins a culture of collaboration and accountability.
The verdict is in, and the evidence is inarguable – organizational leaders must become proficient in first, self-management of their own behaviour skill, and second, the ability to develop and adjust to the behaviour skill of the people they lead. Finally, behaviour skill must become part of the overall organizational quality management plan.
