Your Career Questions Answered: Letter sent by Joyce -my former student at Bernardo College-Las Pinas

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>>>>> Our procurement department is experiencing problems with staff including a lack of motivation, communication and clarity about roles, high staff turnover and non-compliance. I have been asked to look into empowering staff and achieving a higher level of professionalism. What should I look at besides coaching and mentoring.

The Answer:

The central issue to tackle is low morale. Empathy is key- get to know what is important to the team and let them know what is important to you.

Discuss why motivation is low and focus on creating a culture of open dialogue ,support and challenge. Team-based training could help spark debate and interaction.

Your team is uncertain  and needs  a vision for change they can get behind. As a leader, you must be a role model. Create a shared vision for the future and a line of sight between each individual's role and the company mission. Ensure you involve the team in any major changes. Give people ownership for key tasks, and keep everyone informed of progress and success along the way.

Manage under performance, reward positive behaviors and create a learning organization where people are not scared to make mistakes.

Structural change may also be required depending on the intended strategy (for example, you could restructure to promote teamwork, specialist category knowledge or customer focus). However, this will offer limited success if the underpinning culture is not right.

Joyce is working with Alshaya, one of the largest  retailers in the Middle East Countries.