Characteristics of a Strong Work Environment

Work is a necessity for most of us. Sometimes we enjoy it and sometimes we don’t, but it helps us get through those low points if we know how to make the most of what we do, how to improve our environment and drive through to execute on our plans and achieve our goals. But it’s not always that easy, so we at CMOE decided to ask the experts for ideas on exactly what that looks like and how to achieve it. We sent out a 5-question survey asking people like you about the qualities, characteristics and best practices that will help us as employees, team members and leaders create a stronger, more effective work environment.

1. What are the qualities you want most in a leader?
2. What is the most important characteristic of a successful team?
3. What is the most important thing you can do to influence the success of your organization?
4. What are the best practices of retaining good people/employees?
5. How does a long-term vision help you most in your work?

We received hundreds of responses to the survey and are excited to pass the results along to you:

You probably noticed the common threads that tied all of these responses together: strategy and communication.

• The #1 quality desired in a leader? Be forward thinking and strategic.
• The #1 characteristic of a successful team? Communication.
• The #1 thing you can do to influence the success of your organization? Help others learn and grow.
• The best way to retain good employees? Communication!
• The best way to better serve the needs of clients and customers? Having—and sharing— a long-term vision.

All five of the top answers provided by respondents to this survey involved strategy, communication or both. Only one response seemed to veer away from this trend. Helping others to learn and grow may not clearly show the use or practice of strategy or communication. However, if you think of helping others to learn and grow, you must have a clear strategy or goal in mind. Additionally, if you are committed and want to be successful, you must effectively communicate that strategy and aid to the recipient.

Our team has focused on helping organizations develop and understand strategy and effective communication for decades. The results of this survey only solidifies what we’ve found over and over again: that these elements are vital to the success of any organization. Take the time to develop an effective strategy for yourself, your organization and your team. Then communicate this strategy with everyone. Be sure everyone understands and that they are also aware of their role within your strategy or plan. This process will help them to know the value they have within your organization/team and enable them to better see the vision of the strategy.

How has strategy and effective communication helped you, your team, or your organization? If you want to share your story or provide any tips or ideas that have helped you communicate effectively or be more strategic, we’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!