Managers can encourage success among their employees in several ways. One of the strategies that has been gaining traction in recent years is taking a results-oriented approach to leadership. This approach focuses on achieving results above all else and helps align the company with the expectations of clients and customers. Ultimately, these individuals are more concerned with receiving what they require promptly and at the agreed-upon price than with the specific processes required to achieve those results.
Given the state of the market, companies that focus primarily on delivery often outperform their competitors because they are viewed as reliable and resourceful. Many other benefits derive from taking a results-oriented approach to management, including the following:
1. More satisfied employees
When employees feel valued, they tend to perform at a much higher level. Adopting a results-oriented approach reduces the likelihood of leaders becoming micromanagers, as the minutiae ultimately hold less significance. As long as the desired outcome goals are achieved, managers can afford to overlook some of the minor issues that may arise during the process, choosing instead to offer commendation for a job well done. When managers shift their focus toward the process, they may become excessively critical of employees, nitpicking over issues that are relatively insignificant, especially when the ultimate goals have been achieved. This can cause employees to feel as though their accomplishments have been disregarded. Certainly, there are instances when rules genuinely matter and require attention. A results-oriented leader possesses the discernment to distinguish between when rules are crucial and when they can be more flexible.
2. More efficient operations
While results-oriented leaders care more about the ultimate product than the process of getting there, improving outcomes often means revising that process. A results-oriented leader consistently anticipates potential issues that could pose a threat to the project timeline. This entails identifying solutions to prevent such issues and integrating them into the process. Often, this not only enhances the security and reliability of the entire process, but also improves efficiency by eliminating the possibility of the previous problem occurring. Ideally, results-oriented leaders empower the entire team to engage in troubleshooting in this manner, leading to increased process efficiency and overall enhanced company effectiveness.
3. High-level adaptability
In today’s market, entire industries can change virtually overnight because of the introduction of some new, disruptive technology. Only those companies who can pivot and adapt quickly will survive. Luckily, organizations with results-oriented leaders tend to be among the most adaptable. This is because they have no allegiance to the process already in place and instead focus on how to get specific results. When a change is necessary, they can realign the company and assemble a team of individuals equally dedicated to achieving results, who can step in and complete the necessary tasks to minimize operational disruptions. This rapid adaptation is only feasible when everyone shares a common vision and is committed to the same objective. This allows all employees to prioritize similarly and get things done with the right sense of urgency.
4. More effective collaboration
Poor communication and collaboration have been the downfall of many companies. Unfortunately, many organizations are structured in a siloed manner, which discourages interdepartmental interactions among employees. Anyone with a results-oriented approach to business understands the danger of this. Without a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s overall operations and their roles within it, individuals lack the insights needed to provide valuable feedback for process improvement. A results-oriented approach fosters ongoing communication between teams, enabling them to discuss successes and areas in need of enhancement, leading to constructive dialogues regarding the necessary actions to tackle issues effectively. This sense of collaboration makes it easier to reach out when an issue comes up and reinforces the fact that all employees have a stake in the final performance of the company.
5. Better resource utilization
How companies utilize the resources available to them has a massive impact on the bottom line, including profit and product delivery. A results-oriented approach empowers leaders to concentrate on the broader perspective and equips them with the ability to pivot when needed. A study by McKinsey & Company found that results-driven leaders are much better at effective use of resources, including making the most out of what is available through efficient processing. With a results-driven approach, there is no room for waste. Wastage serves as an immediate indicator that something is amiss or has not been optimized for maximum efficiency. Procuring more resources means a greater expenditure of time and resources, so it is important to make full use of what is already available.
6. Greater sense of accountability
An organization that is driven by results makes its goals very well known. When clear and measurable goals are established, accountability becomes a shared responsibility among all team members. Additionally, it is everyone’s duty to identify and proactively address potential issues. This results in an environment that is transparent and welcomes constructive feedback. Failing to achieve goals only becomes a problem if the issue is one that was known but not reported. Lack of transparency is the enemy of efficiency. No one should hesitate to bring a problem to the forefront, as the aim is to resolve it and implement measures to prevent its recurrence. The responsibility for identifying and addressing such issues lies with everyone involved.