Thyme

This marvellous herb is known to contain compounds that break down arterial fat deposits and so can improve circulation. It is cardioprotective. So too Omega-3 fats from fish oils are known to increase HDL cholesterol which returns lipids to the liver for recycling rather than permit oxidised cholesterol to build plaque deposits. Two examples of how our bodies benefit from a rich and varied diet of natural foods. Health conscious individuals take proactive steps to nourish their bodies’ first line of defence. Their attention is rewarded by robust good health, greater energy levels and a zest for life.

I often wonder what equivalent nourishment makes our organisations healthier places to work. Perhaps it’s the humble act of listening to our colleagues and considering their contribution instead of steam-rolling our own agenda forward?  When we know we’ve made a mistake, apologising for it to the group rather than trying to cover it up or blame someone else? Owning our part in misunderstandings that raise tensions improperly and ‘counting to five’? Stephen Covey called this ‘Pressing the Pause Button’. All such actions promote healthy interpersonal communications between individuals and within groups and departments.

If we’re accustomed to a ‘My way or the highway’ autocracy then these healthy habits can be difficult to adopt. But just imagine the consequences of such action within the leadership team at the heart of an organisation. The volatile, autocratic leader stifles debate, demoralises and alienates staff. Instead of energetically contributing their ideas and energies, staff engage in protectionism and withdraw. Your best staff will be more focussed on their exit strategy than on delivering the organisation’s agenda. Recent events in the Middle East illustrate the atrocities that occur when leaders lose their connection with the people they serve.

There is much speculation on the mental health of dictators and undoubtedly there are stresses attributable to that style of leadership – both for the individual and their country, organisation, or family. Eventually the system will fail, dictators are overthrown or, like Stalin, allowed to die without comfort or help. A chronic illness leads to an unlamented death. But in such situations something else dies – the vitality of the organisation and the integrity of the leadership team. There has to be a better way. Leaders need the support of honest and timely feedback to stay healthy. If ousted in a coup d’etat their assailants are seldom better than the figure they depose.

So what would organisational Thyme look like? What practice, steadily implemented, can challenge and remove outmoded processes and maintain a good flow of ideas? What practice encourages ideas to flow freely through all parts of the organisation without risk of ‘thrombosis’ – being unnecessarily and dangerously blocked?

Blood chemistry changes only slowly in response to a healthy lifestyle, but change it does. A healthy blood profile is a clear indicator of a body in balance. Strong and willing participation, low staff turnover and satisfied customers indicate a balanced, healthy and responsive organisation.

For Organisational Thyme think Organ Methylation (almost an anagram L) and consider what you need to do to maintain the energy in your part of the organisation.