Blog by Andrea Bruneau
Consideration refers to the thoughtful and deliberate actions taken to recognize and respect the needs, opinions, and well-being of others. It involves being mindful of how your actions and decisions affect those around you and making an effort not to cause harm, exclusion, or inconvenience. This intentionality fosters an inclusive and respectful environment.
Although the concept of consideration seems straightforward, it is often absent from business decisions. Leaders, under pressure to achieve fast results, can overlook how their employees will be impacted by their directives. Employees are expected to make it work regardless of the level of consideration employed by their leaders.
Case Study:
I am reminded of a time with a previous employer when the decision was made to lay off 90% of our department of academic learning coaches, and restaff with half as many new hires. Each learning coach carried a caseload of students they directly supported throughout their program. They were expected to continue working for three months after being notified of the decision. To inform the students of this massive change, and control the message, the program Director drafted an email for the coaches to send their caseloads. Looking to avoid the appearance of a large-scale lay off, the email template began “I have bittersweet news…” and proceeded to indicate that the individual coach was leaving the university for new opportunities. One coach was even congratulated by a student. Not only did this program Director show a complete disregard for the feelings and needs of the employees by expecting them to own a decision that they did not make and pretend it was a positive change, she also failed to consider the students as key stakeholders. The students accessed this program through corporate partnerships, so they had very close contact with each other as colleagues. It did not take long to put together that all of their coaches were delivering the same message. As a result, students lost trust in the university because it had made a major change to their program and was dishonest about what it was, why it occurred, and how it would impact them.
Building a Positive Culture:
Consideration is a catalyst for cultivating a positive workplace culture. When individuals feel acknowledged and appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and invested in their work. Employees are more likely to express their ideas and concerns when they believe their perspectives are valued, leading to a more vibrant and innovative work environment.
Moreover, consideration helps create a culture of empathy, where employees are attuned to the challenges and triumphs of their colleagues. This empathy fosters stronger interpersonal relationships, enhances teamwork, and contributes to a sense of belonging within the organization. In a considerate workplace, differences are celebrated, and diversity is seen as a source of strength rather than a potential source of conflict.
Driving Business Outcomes:
In our work at DMC, we sometimes hear the sentiment that consideration is a nice-to-have, but that there is pressing work to do and no time to slow down to make people feel good. There are those who believe that people should just show up, do the work, and go home. This mindset fails to recognize how the impact of consideration extends beyond workplace culture and significantly influences business outcomes.
Here's how consideration contributes to success on a business level:
Increased Employee Engagement: Considerate leaders and colleagues create an atmosphere where employees are more engaged in their work. Engaged employees are more productive, creative, and committed to the success of the organization.
Enhanced Problem-Solving: A culture of consideration encourages open dialogue and diverse perspectives. This diversity of thought leads to more effective problem-solving, as individuals feel comfortable sharing their ideas without fear of judgment.
Improved Retention and Recruitment: Consideration is a key factor in employee satisfaction. Satisfied employees are more likely to stay with an organization, reducing turnover costs. Additionally, a positive workplace reputation for consideration can attract top talent during the recruitment process.
Innovation: A considerate workplace fosters an environment where new ideas can flourish, leading to continuous improvement and adaptation to changing market dynamics.
In conclusion, consideration in the workplace is a powerful force that shapes both culture and business outcomes. By fostering an environment of respect, empathy, and open communication, organizations can create a positive workplace culture that not only enhances the well-being of their employees but also contributes to sustained success and growth. Consideration isn't just a nicety—it's a strategic imperative for organizations aspiring to thrive in the ever-evolving world of business.
Here are a few actions you can take now to incorporate consideration into your workplace culture:
List out all stakeholders for a decision or problem you are solving to ensure you are aware of all impacted parties. A stakeholder is anyone directly or indirectly impacted by the issue, or someone with the power to influence the outcome.
Ask your stakeholders for their opinions and needs.
Add these questions to your decision-making process:
What potential negative impact could this have?
Who will be impacted by this, and how?
What information do I need to thoughtfully coordinate this?
Create space to discuss and work through differing opinions. Do not be afraid of respectful disagreement.