We find ourselves in difficult times as our market is continually changing and forcing us to re-examine our business strategies. While demand for high-quality, American-made products has increased, our business is threatened by cheaper imports, unrelenting competition, and diminishing market sales.
Our workforce is our greatest asset and most precious resource for success. The knowledge and skills you posses will propel us through these difficult market conditions to prosper into the future. Through constant innovation our success as an organization will continue, and we will further establish our position as a market leader. We encourage you to initiate actions and make decisions you believe will add value to the organization. Great deeds will always be rewarded, and honest mistakes will never be punished. It is through success and failure that we learn and grow.
We remain committed to our mission to “consistently supply products our customers can rely on for quality and value...and provide the best service possible.” Through teamwork and perseverance we will achieve this mission, as your roles are directly related to our strategy and ability to achieve our goals. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to continuing to grow as an organization.
I like the approach and tone of the message Greg. The approach fosters a team environment and helps to eliminate the "us" and "them" phenomenon that can sometimes occur between management and production workers. I don't recall which chapter in D'Aprix's book addresses the topic but he does call out that fact that gone are the days of managing with an iron fist and that doing so will only cause more negative results. As managers we must rally our workforce and encourage them to take pride and ownership in the product/process as they are valued members of the organization.
ReplyDelete"Our workforce is our greatest asset and most precious resource for success."
ReplyDeleteI wish more firms beleived this! In my experience it has been more "don't let the door hit you on the way out" you are replaceable. Bottom does the work, Top gets the credit, it is rarely shared or acknowledged as a company effort. And in today's world of 16%+ real unemployment that attitude is expanding and progressing into "where are they going to go if they don't like it" (actual quote from a manager I know).
Greg,
ReplyDeleteI really like the tone you used in your statement. While your organization may face several challenges during these difficult times, you found a way to address your positive outlook on the organization's future and your confidence in your employees. Furthermore, I value the fact that you told employees honest mistakes wouldn't result in punishment and that good deeds would be rewarded. This may encourage employees to think outside the box and be more inclined to contribute to the organization's strategy.
I love the honesty right off the bat. If you didn't say it, they would think you were ignorant for thinking they weren't aware. Unless they've been hiding under a rock, everyone in business today knows there are forces that put pressure on management. The fact that you admit to re-examining strategies implies you have one. As obvious as this seems, not all businesses (people) have one.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part:
"Great deeds will always be rewarded, and honest mistakes will never be punished. It is through success and failure that we learn and grow"
Very nice memo, Greg. I agree with your other commenters - great tone, a couple very resonate phrases, and a clear statement of company values.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Greg. I particularly appreciate the linkage you draw between the employees' roles and the ultimate success of the organization. Further, your candor is refreshing. If I were on the receiving end of this message, I would be inspired by the faith and confidence you exhibit.
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