It is actually so easy really to understand an organization's culture. All one has to do is to observe the relationship patterns between the staff and their boss. In my case I rarely have this opportunity as not many bosses are willing to spend a couple of days with their staff in a training program. On the rare occasions when I do find a boss in my programs together with their subordinates, I am amazed at the open culture between them. In fact I am of the opinion now that it is precisely because of the open culture that the bosses are willing to be on par with their subordinates by taking the trouble to be with them in a training program.And, their subordinates are not averse to voicing out issues and matters that may have turned some traditional bosses red!
Last weekend I was with Mr. Jamie Troup, the Counsellor & Counsel General of the Australian High Commission and his team at Holiday Inn Melaka. Boy, did we have great fun AND in the process also discovered some interesting strengths and weaknesses of the team that hitherto were hidden. The program was titled Teaming for Excellence and was organised by Headway Training and Development Centre (one of the most professional Training Providers that I have come across in my business in the last 12 years.
The openness of communication, the genuine willingness to accept criticisms and the generous dose of praise and encouragement that the entire team gave each other was inspiring to say the least. Of course, like all teams, there are always challenges and misunderstandings. There are always questions raised on why this and why that. But, that is natural. As I said to them, if our team members are constantly challenging and questioning our every move, it is a sign that they have taken ownership of the team. They care. We should start worrying only when the team becomes a 'yes man'.
It was a satisfying week-end for me personally as I really felt that together, we managed to break new grounds to take the team to greater heights.
Well done Mr.Jamie and Ms. Kelly. You presence was appreciated more than you will ever know.
Cheers mates!
