In today’s post-pandemic landscape, characterized by an employee-centric and highly competitive market, organizations across the board are grappling with the challenges of attracting and retaining talent. The notion that “Times are changing” might sound cliche, but the reality is undeniable. We are not going back to the “good old days” of 2019. This article will give you effective strategies to keep your top talent from becoming someone else’s.

Drawing on my thirteen-year journey in industrial sales, which includes seven-years in the welding industry, combined with my current role focusing on manufacturing, construction, and skilled trades, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the practices that set the most successful organizations apart. The common thread among these leading entities is their adept fusion of Gratitude and Strategy—a concept I call Grategy®. When you have a Grategy, you create a workplace where excellence thrives and loyalty is fostered.

To simplify this concept and change how we think about workplace culture, I’ve created these “Gears of Grategy.” This isn’t just another toolkit; it’s a whole new approach designed to attract and keep the best talent by fostering an environment where #positivity, #recognition, and personal #growth aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the foundation on which an organization’s culture is built.

By bringing these gears into your organization, you’re making a strong commitment to a culture that not only attracts the brightest and best but also supports them in thriving and contributing to your collective success. I’d love to hear about your journey with these gears—how have they shifted things in your company?

The Six Gears of Grategy®:

#Attitude: The Foundation: Attitude sets the stage for everything else in the Gears of Grategy®. It’s the bedrock upon which all other gears rest. Think about it: without the right attitude, nothing else truly matters. It’s about having the courage to face yourself and your business honestly, and being open to making necessary changes. When you approach challenges with a positive mindset, it’s like striking a match that ignites the enthusiasm of your team. It’s not about ignoring obstacles, but rather tackling them head-on with a focus on finding solutions. Keeping the right attitude among your team members is key—it’s what keeps everyone motivated and optimistic, shielding them from negativity.

This foundational gear highlights the importance of fostering the right mindset to cultivate a thriving culture. Let’s be real here: without the proper mindset, your efforts will fall short. They say only babies with dirty diapers enjoy change, and let’s face it, even they aren’t thrilled about the messy process. But if you stay open to new ideas and put in the effort, you’ll witness your workplace undergo an extraordinary transformation! The beauty of attitude lies in its controllability—it’s entirely up to you. So, choose wisely, and watch as your workplace evolves into something truly remarkable!

#Appreciation: The Personal Touch of Gratitude: The second gear in the Grategy® model is appreciation, where you embrace gratitude on a personal level. My own journey with gratitude began back in 2009, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer in both my life and my business. It got me through tough times, especially during the recent pandemic, which hit my business hard. Gratitude isn’t just about being positive; it’s a mindset that encourages us to find the good in every situation. And here’s the kicker: there’s solid research backing it up. Gratitude isn’t some fluffy concept—it literally rewires your brain to focus on the good stuff, not to mention the physical benefits it brings. When you make gratitude a regular practice, it’s not just about feeling good; it becomes second nature to spot the positives, even in the toughest of times.

But wait, there’s more! Practicing gratitude extends beyond the workplace. It opens your eyes to the goodness in all aspects of life, making it easier to recognize and celebrate the unique contributions of each team member. It’s about showing genuine appreciation for their efforts and valuing their presence in your organization. Appreciation isn’t just a part of the Grategy® model; it’s woven into the very fabric of everything we do. It’s a critical tool in your leadership toolbox, enriching every interaction and fostering a culture of gratitude and acknowledgment.

#Access: Open Doors, Open Minds: Now that you’re starting with the right attitude are finding the good in your business and your life, the third gear, Access, is about making leadership approachable and accessible, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and heard. When you break down the barriers between employees and management, you’re not just opening doors – you’re opening minds.

Access isn’t just about physical accessibility; it’s about providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. That means offering robust training programs and accessible resources that empower individuals to flourish both in and out of the workplace. Because when people feel supported in their development, they bring their best selves to the table.

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all company cultures. Today, workplaces must adapt to meet the unique needs and expectations of team members. Leaders should make themselves available to their people, actively listening to feedback, and tuning into the pulse of the workforce through “stay” interviews. These conversations offer invaluable insights into employees’ dreams, aspirations, and concerns, providing an opportunity to address them proactively and stem the risk of turnover.

By fostering open communication and accessibility, you build trust and loyalty – the cornerstones of retention. The Access gear ensures that communication flows freely in both directions, creating a culture of transparency and support that fuels employee engagement and drives organizational success.

#Applause: Recognizing and Celebrating Success: The fourth gear in the Grategy® model is #Applause. When you verbally appreciate someone, it’s like creating a beautiful memory, but when you go the extra mile with a handwritten note or letter, you create a treasure. Whether it’s shouting out big wins or cheering on small victories, publicly recognizing the efforts driving the company forward is crucial. It’s like fuel for motivation, boosting morale, and reinforcing behaviors that are key for our success.

Now, here’s the thing about recognition: personalization matters. You can use an “All About Me” sheet to find out exactly what each of your team members like. After all, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to saying thanks. And the best part? Recognition doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A genuine “thank you,” a heartfelt note, or a shout-out in the company newsletter can make someone’s day. Plus, when you encourage peer-to-peer recognition, it builds camaraderie and makes everyone feel like they’re part of something special.

#ActsOfService: Contributing to a Greater Mission: The fifth gear, Acts of Service, expands the notion of gratitude beyond the workplace by integrating corporate social responsibility (#CSR) and volunteerism into your company culture. Your team wants to feel they’re part of something larger than themselves, and are making a meaningful impact. It’s essential to showcase the positive initiatives your organization undertakes to improve the community, region, or even the world. Reflect on what drew you to your industry originally. Why are you still there? What ignites your passion? Find ways to instill that sense of purpose in your team. It goes beyond job duties and compensation; you must demonstrate how their work contributes to a greater mission, fostering a sense of belonging and meaning. This gear underscores how giving back to the community can strengthen team unity, attract socially conscious talent, and build a brand that stands for more than just financial gains.

#Accountability: Ensuring Alignment and Continuous Improvement: Finally, Accountability, the sixth gear, ties everything together. Here, the focus shifts to ensuring the process remains ongoing rather than treating it as a one-time event. It’s a continuous journey, with mechanisms like using KPIs in place to measure success and a readiness to adjust and refine as needed. Serving as the glue that binds everything, #accountability emphasizes that moving through the gears isn’t the end goal; it’s an ongoing journey of implementation, refinement, and perpetual progress. After all, what works today may not work tomorrow, underscoring the importance of constant adjustment. This gear fosters a culture where continual improvement isn’t just welcomed but embraced, fostering ownership from both leaders and employees to sustain the momentum of the Grategy® model. Accountability doesn’t mark the end; instead, it kickstarts the process anew with each iteration, fostering an environment of continuous growth and evolution.

Why the Gears of Grategy® Matter

As you can see, the Gears of Grategy® are more than mere components of a model; they form the foundation of a workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent. In today’s world, where employees seek more than just a paycheck, these gears provide a roadmap for cultivating an environment that values, respects, and nurtures its workforce. By embracing the Gears of Grategy®, you empower your teams, enhance performance, and establish a legacy of positive #workplaceculture. For visionary leaders, the Gears of Grategy® represent more than just a strategy; they symbolize a dedication to excellence. It’s about creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, heard, and essential to the mission.

As you navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape, the Gears of Grategy® serve as a guiding light for those committed to leading with heart, #integrity, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Use these gears to set a new standard for what it means to be a truly exceptional place to work. If this resonates with you and you want to use these gears to set the standard for your workplace, let’s connect.

Lisa (Roman) Ryan, CSP

Keynote Speaker, Author, Emcee. Ready to help you keep your top talent from becoming someone else’s. #Grategy