The Hawaiian word "ohana" means "family", and if there's one thing that Hawaiians do best, it's treating everyone like family. At a recent hula gathering where we knew no-one before we walked in the door, my two sons were quickly surrounded by "aunties" and "uncles" who embraced them as though they were their own. Years ago, this familiar tendency put me off, but when I realized the depth of sincerity that accompanies these family ties I came to recognize that "ohana" is as strong as any blood-line.
Treating your employees like family doesn't mean that you're weak or that performance expectations are any lower. If anything, treating someone like family means you break down communication barriers quickly and get things done more efficiently because a high level of trust exists. Here's how to make "ohana" a part of your business model.
1. Establish communication guidelines within your working group. Respect and reason are non-negotiable, and so is listening!
2. Cultural differences don't mean division. Cultural differences do need to be recognized and honored for their unique contributions. Treating everyone the same lessens each individual's connection to the greater mission, so don't do it!
3. As Kevin Roberts F.A.C.H.E. and President/CEO of Castle Medical Center in Kailua says, "you don't have to conquer others to be successful." Look to build trust within your organization and outside it. The community can be your best sales-force if "aloha" is part of your guiding principles.
See a preview of the Aloha Leadership keynote at http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=105851563&TemplateId=156&lnkkey=Link2&utm_source=ORM&utm_medium=notification&utm_term=viewvideo&utm_campaign=Group41EmailVideo
Contact Mike to arrange for an Aloha Leadership presentation for your group at (720) 851.5208 or info@mikefaber.com
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