Bill Christensen, the CEO of JELD-WEN, shares insights on the importance of prioritizing both people and performance in the midst of transformational change. He emphasizes that engaging employees beyond their roles in the organization is essential for success. Authentic understanding, gained through proactive conversations and transparency, helps build trust and drive transformation. By listening to teams, leaders can identify areas for improvement, clarify goals, and ensure the right people are in the right positions to move forward.
In the realm of performance, Christensen highlights the need to simplify and prioritize tasks that truly matter to stakeholders. By focusing on what adds value and stopping activities that don’t, organizations can unlock hidden potential. Leaders must help their teams understand where to direct their energy, using frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to make informed decisions about what is important. Simplification aligns employees towards shared goals, sets clear expectations, and instills confidence in the company’s direction.
When both people and performance are prioritized, organizations can lay a strong foundation from which to execute a long-term growth strategy. Christensen stresses the importance of building an inclusive culture that balances empowerment and accountability. Cultivating a culture where leaders uphold their promises and strive for a high “say-do” ratio is crucial for success. By focusing on solid business fundamentals and consistently delivering strong performance, trust is built that enables a sustained focus on long-term strategies.
With the increase in transformational change initiatives, it is vital for organizations to advance with a rigorous and disciplined approach centered on value creation. According to EY’s CEO Outlook Pulse, 95% of CEO’s plan to maintain or accelerate transformation in 2024. Those that prioritize both people and performance will be the winners in this era of change. By focusing on employee engagement, simplification of tasks, and aligning strategy with a strong organizational culture, companies can position themselves for sustainable growth and success in the future.
