How to tame the elephant in your workplace

[WORLD] In every workplace, there are issues that everyone knows about but nobody wants to discuss. These unspoken challenges, often referred to as "elephants in the room," can significantly impact team dynamics, productivity, and overall organizational success. As leaders and employees, it's crucial to learn how to identify and address these elephants effectively. This article will explore the concept of workplace elephants, their impact on organizations, and provide practical strategies for shrinking them.

Workplace elephants are those large, obvious problems or issues that are present in an organization but are often ignored or left unaddressed. These can range from interpersonal conflicts and communication barriers to systemic issues within the company culture. The term "elephant in the room" is used metaphorically to describe these situations, as they are as hard to ignore as an actual elephant standing in a room.

Dr. Rodger Dean Duncan, a leadership consultant and bestselling author, explains the nature of these organizational challenges: "Elephants in the workplace are those issues that everyone knows about but nobody wants to discuss. They're the unmentionables, the 800-pound gorillas, the sacred cows."

The Impact of Unaddressed Issues

When left unchecked, workplace elephants can have severe consequences on an organization:

• Decreased productivity
• Lower employee morale
• Increased turnover
• Stifled innovation
• Damaged company reputation

These issues can create a toxic work environment where employees feel unheard, undervalued, and unmotivated. As a result, the overall performance of the organization suffers.

Identifying Workplace Elephants

The first step in addressing workplace elephants is to identify them. This process requires open communication, keen observation, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Some common signs that indicate the presence of workplace elephants include:

• Frequent whispered conversations
• Tension in meetings
• Avoidance of certain topics
• Lack of collaboration between teams
• High employee turnover rates

Leaders should encourage an environment where employees feel safe to voice their concerns and observations. Anonymous surveys and feedback sessions can be valuable tools in uncovering hidden issues.

Strategies for Shrinking Workplace Elephants

Once identified, it's time to address these elephants head-on. Here are some effective strategies for shrinking workplace elephants:

1. Foster Open Communication

Creating a culture of open communication is crucial in addressing workplace elephants. Encourage employees to speak up about issues they observe and provide multiple channels for them to do so. Regular team meetings, one-on-one sessions, and anonymous suggestion boxes can all contribute to a more transparent work environment.

2. Lead by Example

Leaders play a critical role in addressing workplace elephants. By acknowledging and discussing difficult topics themselves, they set the tone for the entire organization. As Dr. Duncan notes, "Leaders must model the behavior they expect from others. If you want people to be open and honest, you must be open and honest yourself."

3. Implement a Structured Problem-Solving Approach

When tackling workplace elephants, it's essential to have a systematic approach. This could involve:

• Clearly defining the issue
• Gathering data and perspectives from all stakeholders
• Brainstorming potential solutions
• Implementing and monitoring the chosen solution

4. Provide Training and Support

Equip your team with the necessary skills to address workplace elephants effectively. This may include training in conflict resolution, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. By empowering employees with these tools, you create a workforce capable of handling challenging situations.

5. Celebrate Progress

Acknowledge and celebrate when workplace elephants are successfully addressed. This reinforces the importance of tackling these issues and encourages continued efforts in maintaining a healthy work environment.

Case Study: Shrinking a Communication Elephant

To illustrate the process of addressing workplace elephants, let's consider a hypothetical case study:

A mid-sized tech company noticed a significant disconnect between its development and marketing teams. Projects were often delayed, and there was frequent miscommunication about product features and timelines. This "elephant" was causing frustration and impacting the company's ability to deliver products on time.

The leadership team decided to address this issue by:

• Conducting anonymous surveys to gather honest feedback
• Organizing a joint workshop for both teams to discuss pain points
• Implementing new communication protocols and project management tools
• Providing cross-functional training to improve understanding between teams
• Regularly reviewing progress and adjusting strategies as needed

Over six months, the company saw a marked improvement in collaboration between the teams, resulting in faster product launches and increased employee satisfaction.

The Role of Leadership in Elephant Management

Leadership plays a crucial role in effectively managing workplace elephants. Dr. Duncan emphasizes this point: "Leaders must create an environment where people feel safe in raising issues and confident that their concerns will be taken seriously."

Effective leaders in elephant management:

• Actively listen to employee concerns
• Demonstrate vulnerability by admitting their own mistakes
• Encourage diverse perspectives and healthy debate
• Take decisive action when issues are identified
• Follow up and ensure long-term solutions are implemented

Overcoming Resistance to Change

Addressing workplace elephants often requires significant changes in organizational culture and individual behaviors. Resistance to these changes is common and should be anticipated. To overcome this resistance:

• Clearly communicate the reasons for change
• Involve employees in the problem-solving process
• Address fears and concerns openly
• Provide support and resources during the transition
• Recognize and reward those who embrace the changes

The Benefits of a Elephant-Free Workplace

Successfully addressing workplace elephants can lead to numerous benefits for an organization:

• Improved employee engagement and satisfaction
• Enhanced productivity and efficiency
• Increased innovation and creativity
• Better retention of top talent
• Stronger company culture and reputation

Dr. Duncan highlights the importance of this process: "When people feel psychologically safe to speak up, to challenge, to innovate, the entire organization benefits. It's not just about solving problems, it's about unleashing potential."

Workplace elephants, while challenging, are not insurmountable obstacles. By fostering a culture of open communication, implementing structured problem-solving approaches, and providing the necessary support and training, organizations can effectively shrink these elephants. The process requires commitment, courage, and consistency from both leadership and employees.

Remember, addressing workplace elephants is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and a willingness to adapt strategies are essential for long-term success. As you work to create an elephant-free workplace, you'll find that your organization becomes more agile, innovative, and ultimately, more successful.

In the words of Dr. Duncan, "Dealing with elephants in the workplace is not just about problem-solving. It's about creating an environment where people can do their best work, where innovation thrives, and where the organization can adapt quickly to changing circumstances."

By learning to identify and shrink workplace elephants, you're not just solving problems – you're building a stronger, more resilient organization ready to face the challenges of today's dynamic business world.