Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Ryan Poterack - Interview Part 5


Recently, I was interviewed by business coach Charrise McCrorey. Below is an excerpt of the interview, I thought you may enjoy:

Charrise McCrorey:  You’ve discussed the benefits of creating this type of culture as it relates to you in the way you like to lead and manage.  What’s in it for the employees?  What are the benefits to them?  In what ways does your culture create a good place to work?  How does it serve your employee base?

Ryan Poterack:  Oh my gosh, it’s the least stressful way to work!  If new employees have the courage and emotional intelligence to recognize we simply mean exactly what we’re saying, then it’s simple to fit in and a shortcut to trust.  We don’t have any wasted stress on “what does he really mean?”  We don’t have any stupid politics or silliness going on like we’re back in junior high school. 

This culture provides employees tremendous freedom to communicate opinions and ideas knowing they will be respected.  However, just because we create an environment for open discussion doesn’t mean we are going to act on every opinion.  Everyone retains the right to be incorrect.  This culture is counter to society generally, and often business specifically.  Challenging the status quo, in the corporate world, is often discouraged.  Additionally, an opinion or idea that is determined to be unhelpful by corporate management, may reflect negatively on the employee who offered the feedback. 

The act of providing ideas and opinions should be rewarded.  It may take courage initially but the more emotionally intelligent the person is, the quicker they will recognize what behavior is rewarded and why.  Working with others in this culture becomes easy.  Consistency of behavior allows each employee to know the consequences of their behavior or decisions prior to the behavior or decisions.  

Ryan Poterack was interviewed by business coach Charrise McCrorey as part of a discovery process for a book.