In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Teri Beckman about reconciling the CEOs capacity dilemma. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
The conversation between Teri and Jonathan focused on their work with mission-driven organizations, the challenges faced in the post-Covid era, and the importance of aligning an organization's vision with its employees' roles. They discussed the costs of under- and overcapacity, the need for collaborative leadership models, and the importance of providing growth opportunities for employees. They also emphasized the role of feedback and shifting company culture.
Mission-Driven Conversation on Nonprofit Work and Buddhist Psychology
Jonathan and Teri engaged in a conversation about their work with mission-driven organizations, with Teri emphasizing that her work primarily serves the nonprofit sector. Jonathan agreed to adapt the conversation to this context. Teri then shared her background in Buddhist psychology and how it influences her work, which Jonathan acknowledged and related to his own experience with Buddhism.
Post-Covid Leadership Challenges Discussed
Teri and Jonathan discussed the challenges facing organizations in the post-Covid era. They highlighted issues such as undercapacity due to hiring difficulties and burnout among existing staff, and overcapacity due to the lack of resources to fill open positions. The conversation also emphasized the need for more collaborative leadership models that empower all employees and address the inequalities in the workforce. The topic of skill sets required for effective leadership in the new age was also touched upon.
Capacity Dilemma: Costs and Consequences
Jonathan and Teri discussed the costs of businesses operating under capacity, including financial losses and the risk of burnout for employees. Teri noted the impact on organizations' revenue and productivity, as well as the detrimental effects on employees' health and well-being. Jonathan emphasized the loss to individuals and the organization when employees experience burnout. Teri acknowledged the complexity of the issue and suggested that reorganizing to address the capacity dilemma would involve multiple levels of intervention, including changes in the organizational structure.
Aligning Vision and Employee Roles for Collaboration and Reduced Burnout
Teri and Jonathan discussed the importance of aligning an organization's vision with the roles of its employees to increase collaboration and decrease burnout. Teri emphasized that this process often involves changing the senior team's role from commanding to providing resources and removing obstacles. She also highlighted the importance of regular feedback and a coaching model of feedback. Teri noted that shifting the company culture in this direction takes about a year. They also discussed the role of understanding and providing growth opportunities for employees to reduce turnover and burnout. Teri encouraged leaders to focus on the full lifecycle of an employee in an organization. Jonathan concluded by emphasizing the importance of balancing the business case with the human case.
Listen to the webinar here:
