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The phrase High Performance Work Place is simply the group of words used to describe the management approach, environment, or culture of an organization. It's really just a common sense approach to managing people - recognizing that people are our most valuable asset. It is considered a non-traditional approach of managing an organization.
Definition of HPWP
An environment of high expectations and adult behavior that fosters maximum performance and is characterized by 7 key elements:
- Positive Assumptions
- Mutual Trust and Respect
- Open 2-Way Communications
- Identification and Elimination of Negatives
- Training and Development
- Competitive Wages and Benefits
- Employee Involvement
When we make an assumption about a person or a situation without
all the facts, sometimes our "suspicious" minds think the
worst. We often "generalize" these beliefs to a whole group
of people. In traditional companies, many supervisors and
managers have found themselves acting toward all employee
behavior and all employees in ways which communicate
negative assumptions. An example of a negative assumption
would be that people lack integrity and are lazy.
In a High Performance Work Place, we believe that people have
integrity and work hard. They are willing to assume responsibility
and have a desire to achieve. They are capable of directing
their own behavior. They want their organization to succeed.
Our behavior
should reflect positive assumptions because our assumptions
drive our behavior. AND Our behavior drives their assumptions
- which drives their behavior.
Our policies
and practices are based on trust. We believe in our employees
and trust that we can rely on their character, ability, strength
and truth. Our ability to trust affects our assumptions, attitudes
and behaviors. Based on this premise of mutual trust and respect,
there is only one rule of conduct. Our employees are expected
to conduct themselves in a manner that supports the company
values necessary to achieve a high performance work place.
"Each employee is expected to act in the best interests of fellow employees and the company."
Communication
is a two-way exchange that includes speaking as well as listening.
Effective communication skills are essential to building trust
and understanding in the workplace. It sometimes takes longer
to communicate effectively, but the results are much better.
Successful communication keeps everyone involved "in the loop"
and makes them feel involved and a part of the team. The company
has provided communication tools such as email and voice mail
which enhance our ability to communicate effectively.
A "negative"
is anything that minimizes vs maximizes a person's feeling
of value to the organization. "Negatives" generally impact
performance.
Three different examples of "Negatives" are:
| 1.
Some groups of people are treated differently than others
because of their job - this makes them feel like a "second
class citizen" |
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| 2.
Policies and practices which make people feel demeaned
or as if they are being treated like children or with
a lack of respect |
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| 3.
Significantly less money invested in employees in terms
of training, working conditions, safety, etc. than in
equipment maintenance, etc. |
Training is an important element of HPWP and a key factor
in the success of the individual and the company. Southeastern
Mills' investment in leadership, technical and team building
skills reflects its value for its employees.
It is
Southeastern Mills' objective to reach and maintain competitive
wages and benefits within our industry and within the appropriate recruiting areas.
In HPWP,
employees should be involved in any decisions that affect
them. This is based on the concept that there is always a
better result when people are involved in decisions. Being
able to participate in making job related decisions creates
a sense of commitment. And that sense of commitment leads
to success for both the company and the employee.
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