Great companies offer something inspirational
Humboldt penguins at Marwell.org.uk
Inspiring great success
Great companies come in all shapes and sizes. So do Super-tribes. Being big and sophisticated doesn’t guarantee anyone success. Great performance is people driven. Great people performance comes from a strong collective purpose, complete inclusivity and good outcomes for every stakeholder. Tribes are more successful than mere teams. They are inspired to work together, inspired to deliver the vision and inspired to ‘do extra’. Great companies offer something inspirational. After getting paid fairly for what you do, your organisation’s purpose can matter more than money.
The companies which have the hardest job to retain good people are probably charities and ‘not-for-profit’ organisations. Without the freedom to offer big salaries, issue shares, pay dividends, or give out large bonuses they have to attract and retain good people through other means.
Sunday Times Best 100
Julia’s House Dorset and Wiltshire Children’s Hospices is a children’s hospice charity. According to the Sunday Times Best 100 Not for Profit Organisations “Julia’s House understand that employees work in testing and demanding environments, and so place paramount importance on the wellbeing of their team.” Understanding and appreciating what your people need is a fundamental part of creating a successful team. A nearly flawless 97% of the staff “feel proud to work for this organisation”. That sense of belonging is a clear example of a tribal feeling. That’s a clear indication of caring. Maybe that’s why it’s such a great charity.
Marwell Wildlife is a conservation charity and zoo near Winchester, Hampshire. It was ranked in the Sunday Times Best 100 Not for Profit Organisations to work for. The review found that “employees help to make a positive and sustained impact on both people’s and animals lives”. The Marwell staff aim to “connect” the zoological park’s 500,000 visitors a year “with nature.” Now that’s a purpose which offers a completely different kind of reward. That approach a clear indication of staff happiness. Maybe that’s why it’s such a great place to spend time.
The new baseline
If all your organisation offers your people is money, it’s almost certainly time to offer them something else. ESG initiatives aren’t just optional, they’re baseline essential. Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance matter to every stakeholder, more than ever before.
It will be interesting to see who’s been getting this people dynamic right, when the next Sunday Times Best Companies rankings are revealed.