Aloha, mahalo for clicking in for my Tuesday update. I’d like to
a) follow-up on my last post, and
b) point you back into our Say “Alaka‘i” archives today.

The last post I’d published here had to do with my advice to those affected by the impending merger of two newspapers: The Honolulu Advertiser and The Honolulu Star Bulletin (I feel compelled to point out that they are NOT our only two Hawai‘i newspapers, though they undoubtably are the largest in circulation).

Though current events have made them a timely example, the advice I offered is for everyone working for an employer and paycheck, and my coaching to “work ON your company’s business, and not just IN it” is found in my book, Managing with Aloha. Those who have worked with me in years past, will tell you it is coaching dating way back before MWA was published, to strategic discussions we’d often have within the workplace: As their manager, I wanted to be sure I gave them opportunities to do exactly what I asked them to do; work on our business model with me. I wanted us all to be indispensable.

Still, I do realize this keeps coming up: “Easier said than done, where do I start?”

Partner: Work with the right person

The best way, is to ask your boss directly. Ask them, “How can I help this business survive, and survive with me in it?” It’s the only way you’ll optimally partner, and can be sure you both are working toward the same goal.

That might be tough, and it might require you to muster up considerable courage. I don’t know: It depends on the relationship you have with your boss. (The Friendship Factor; Be the Best Boss Instead.)

It may not be the answer you want to hear, however I’ll always point you in that direction: Partnership with the right person, and working on your relationship as need be to make that partnership happen. Life is not a solo proposition, a truism especially true in the workplace when you are collecting a paycheck, and need to start focusing on working for profit instead.

Second, (not instead of, but at the same time) you can think about Mālama as the Hawaiian value of stewardship.

Thriving companies are healthy

Great companies, the profitable, thriving ones you want to work for, and the ones you are willing to put your best efforts toward, are those which feel healthy to you. Their workplace culture is healthy, and so you feel healthy when you’re in it.

This is where I’ll point you back to the archives for more help from another workplace culture expert, Patrick Lencioni:

Give a click here if you would:
Good companies make us healthier– but what is healthy?

If healthy at work isn’t the way you feel right now, define why in detail specific to your workplace, and then write out some action steps you can take to turn things around. Take those suggestions to your manager, boss, or owner, as your approach to working ON the business from where you sit. Your suggested solutions will be welcomed with recognition that you are in the business too, and presenting what you see from your standpoint.