Newsletters
I know I’m going out on a limb here, but I’m just going to say it.
I love coffee.
I love coffee so much that my son recently told me, “Dad, your teeth really don’t need to be any yellower, so maybe you should stick to water.” (Kids – keeping us humble.)
Because of my affinity for coffee, I took notice when I read about Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability and decided to drop a message to Guillaume Le Cunff, Nespresso’s CEO. I thanked him for leading this critical effort and he wrote me back immediately, “Thanks a lot Mark, much appreciated and very encouraging feedback I must say. This gives energy to push even further our sustainability agenda. Have a great day, Guillaume.”
I was struck by this for two reasons: first, that a CEO would take the time to personally respond, on a weekend, to a stranger’s note; and second, that the response was so genuine. We exchanged a few more pleasantries and it was clear that he was fully and deeply invested.
This simple exchange served to remind me that accountability – true accountability – can only come from within an organization. Despite many organizations naming “accountability” as a top pain point in their processes, the truth is that it cannot be outsourced. Although formidable and significant efforts have been made across supply chain, technology, and partner ecosystems, truly accountable and sustainable solutions will only thrive from within.
I’m sure all of you can think of an example of how much a CEO’s perspective either inspires an organization or alienates employees. Employees look to the top to understand what is expected and rewarded, so if you’re having issues with accountability in your organization, reflect on what you’ve said, emailed, tweeted or endorsed. But more than words, reflect upon the actions of those who occupy critical positions. Whether intended or not, you are signaling intention and belief every single day.
And if you send the right messages, you may just inspire strangers – and employees – to rally to your cause.
I hope all organizations wake up and smell the coffee.
With warm regards,
—Mark
Founder/managing principal/coffee addict, IA
VOTE!
We are fortunate to live in a country that allows its citizens to participate in democracy. Now, more than ever, people need to raise their voice and let their vote be counted.
Because of this belief, IA has designated November 3 (Election Day) as a paid company holiday. We recognize not every organization is in a position to do this, but we encourage all leaders to support their employees’ desire to participate in the democratic process.
For more resources on voter registration, local laws, and polling places, visit Vote.org.
Where You Can Find Us
IA is excited to be featured as speakers/presenters in some of the industry’s most thought-provoking VIRTUAL events, including:
- September 22, 2020: As part of DriveThru HR’s #SnackableHR, Mark Stelzner laid out the groundwork for Setting HR on Fire: Let’s Burn the Seat and the Table.
- September 29, 2020: Mark Stelzner lends his voice to Hacking HR’s HR 2021 Global Online Conference: HR Innovation and Future of Work.
- October 20-21, 2020: Mary Faulkner participates in a discussion around the role recruiting plays in changing culture at ERE.net’s fall conference.
On Our Radar
There are so many articles being written! Whew. Here are a few we liked:
- FINALLY some data to dispute the mythology around generational differences in the workplace. Peter Capelli lends his insight into debunking the “truth” around generations, and suggests organizations would do better to focus on career stage instead.
- Sometimes simpler is better. In the rush to make everything more modern, we risk over-engineering processes that people may do organically. This is especially true when we think about performance management, as outlined in this article from Harvard Business Review.
- And finally, we would be remiss if we failed to acknowledge the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, aka “The Notorious RBG.” The fact that she had a pop culture nickname just serves to illustrate the breadth of her impact. Her brilliance and wit and graciousness inspired generations. May her memory be a blessing.
About IA
As trusted advisors to senior leaders, IA supports strategic initiatives that transform the way organizations work.
Our seasoned team of professionals apply a revolutionary eye, deep domain experience, and flexible tools to accelerate the achievement of even the most ambitious goals. With a cross-functional, strategic perspective, we thrive on big, messy problems. Whether large or small, public or private, domestic or international, it’s our job to support leaders and their teams in achieving outcomes that are truly unique to their culture and objectives.
Every organization has a catalyst for change – learn more at ia-hr.com.
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