Connecting Values and People
For those of us that experienced IAAPA this week, I think we can all agree that how much technology continues to innovate, there’s one thing that remains consistent, and that’s the wonderful people that sit at the heart of our sector!
The memories I have from my early years within the sector, from Brean Leisure Park, to Australia’s National Maritime Museum, all centre around the people and the personal experiences I took away.
Never was that so true, as when I worked in the front of house team at the Maritime Museum. Being so far away from family and old friends, the bonds I formed were intrinsic to my experience.
We talk a lot within the leisure industry about the ‘customer experience’, but how often does the ‘internal customer ’ factor in this discussion?
After all, the teams that deliver the experience, are essential to that delivery.
Common sense tells us, the more fulfilled our people are, the better the customer experience they deliver.
I know what fulfilment looks like for me, but what does it look like to you and your people?
I asked a variety of connections between the ages of 22 and 60, from different sectors, what matters to them in the world of employment. (Excluding any type of financial reward).
In no particular order, here’s the top 10 most common responses;
- Professional feedback
- Ethics – and the importance of how these translate into reality for the employee
- Gaining Industry qualifications
- Having fun/enjoying their role – wanting to come to work!
- Investment in personal development – people want to improve
- Being part of a community/having social interactions
- Being part of a direction of change/significant projects
- Feeling appreciated
- Understanding and support for mental and physical health issues
- Having a clear path for mentorship
Although this is not exactly scientific research, it did make me think about how we could harness these values. How could they support the way we recruit and look after our talent?
Would it be fair to say that the better aligned an organisation is with those that you want to attract, the more likely they’d want to work for you?
Or is that too simple?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
All the best
Sarah
