Episode 99: Creating a Workplace Where Performance and Well-being Thrive

This episode of Work Savvy features Karen in conversation with Louise Gilbert, a change and leadership expert, who shares insights on fostering a workplace culture that equally nurtures performance, growth and wellbeing. Louise introduces her "Three Pedals of Excellence" model to illustrate how balance drives enduring success.

Key Takeaways 

The Gilbert Model: Three Pedals of Excellence:  

Performance: Doing great work and achieving results. 

Growth: Continuously improving and developing skills. 

Well-being: Feeling good, both physically and mentally. 

Louise argues that all three pedals are essential for individual, team and organizational success and sustainability.  

The Misunderstanding of Well-being 

Leaders often focus on superficial well-being initiatives like isolated workshops or healthy fruit baskets, neglecting the impact of the work itself. 

Well-being should be integrated into the rhythm of work, not treated as a separate event. 

One-size-fits-all well-being programs can backfire and may cause harm, especially for neurodivergent individuals or those with trauma backgrounds.  

Work-Life Contamination and Whiplash 

Work-life contamination: Work spills over and negatively impacts personal life.  

Work whiplash: Rapid context switching between different tasks, roles and technologies, leading to strain and stress.  

Leader's Role in Balancing the Books 

Leaders need to model well-being and create environments that support their people/teams best. Focusing on improving the work itself rather than solely relying on external well-being tactics. 

The concept of "withdrawals and deposits" is introduced 

Withdrawals: Stressors like tight deadlines, conflict, high workloads and unclear expectations that drain well-being. 

Deposits: Factors that balance well-being; adequate training and support, career development opportunities, autonomy and interesting, rewarding work. 

The Importance of Role Clarity 

Lack of role clarity is a common issue that detracts from well-being and performance. 

Leaders should understand how important "role clarity" is to team members. Efficiencies, morale and productivity are impacted. 

Roles are co-created and leaders should avoid inadvertently taking on roles that prevent their team members from owning their responsibilities. 

Managing Job Demands and Pace 

Leaders often struggle to determine a reasonable level of demand. High performers are particularly susceptible to being overloaded. 

Leaders should regularly check in with their team members for feedback on well-being, performance and growth. 

Understanding individual energy levels can help manage workloads and prevent burnout. 

Creating a thriving workplace requires a holistic approach that integrates performance, growth and well-being. Leaders must focus on the fundamental aspects of work, such as role clarity, manageable workloads and fostering a supportive environment. The "Three Pedals of Excellence" model provides a practical framework for leaders to consider all essential elements for workplace success. 

Connect with Karen and Louise on LinkedIn now!