2nd Place: The Ideal Work Environment.

The magic formula for creating the ideal work environment has yet to be discovered. However, there are qualities and characteristics that, when reflected in an organization, can lead to greater job satisfaction and productivity. The work environment is so closely tied to mission accomplishment that leaders cannot afford to ignore their relationship. Although individual expectations may differ, I believe there are certain common components that contribute to creating an ideal place in which to work. The rewards are numerous when key individuals in an organization embrace the vision of such a workplace.

Leaders who are accessible and get to know their subordinates become aware of significant ways to improve the work environment. Interaction between leaders and their subordinates is important in fostering a relationship of mutual loyalty, admiration, and respect. An open-door policy provides subordinates with opportunities to express their concerns, and leaders learn valuable information about the day-to-day work environment. In the ideal workplace, time is scheduled for informal face-to-face communication. Positive results are accomplished when leaders take the time to know their subordinates and their abilities. The workforce of today provides leaders with a wealth of experience and talent. Being aware of subordinates' strong points and assigning duties accordingly are effective ways to complete projects requiring teamwork. The opportunity to make significant contributions is rewarding to individuals as well as positive for the organization.

A caring leaderwho practices equality inspires the entire workforce to embrace the values inherent in a democracy An autocratic leader can create rebellion in those who would normally be cooperative. People are happier when they have input into and a degree of control over situations that affect them. Good leaders listen to their subordinates, and when possible, accommodate their wishes.

The ideal work environment encourages team spirit. Effective leaders not only strive to achieve camaraderie among their subordinates, but also consider themselves an integral part of the team. When members of an organization feel they have a common purpose, reaching the goal becomes much more satisfying. The varied experiences and backgrounds of a diverse workforce are catalysts for successfully completing missions requiring teamwork. Each individual plays a vital role, making the whole greater than its parts. Personal input results in a gratifying sense of ownership of the end product.

The ideal work environment is one in which recognition for hard work and loyalty is apart of normal operations. Credit and praise should be forthcoming for jobs well done. Effective leaders know how to say, "Thank you," and understand that appreciation for extra effort enhances job satisfaction and creates positive attitudes.

Leaders have a responsibility to create an atmosphere in which truth is an elemental ingredient in daily operations. Along with truth come respect and credibility. An organization that values truth builds cohesiveness and trust among its members as well as among those outside the organization. Leaders who honor the value of truth gain the credibility that is essential in promoting a healthy relationship among themselves and their subordinates.

An ideal environment encourages learning through mentoring. Great leaders often credit role models. An effective mentoring program ensures that the workplace will be prepared for the future. Sharing experiences and skills enables smooth transitions for an ever-changing workforce. By mentoring, individuals can ensure their legacy and set a foundation for carrying on their work long after they have left an organization. Likewise, the benefits to newer employees are numerous. They are given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and potential as well as to learn from seasoned employees. In addition, the foundation is set for future success when mentors instill the goals and values of the organization.

Most individuals believe that hard work and efforts to improve themselves pay off through career progression. The ideal environment promotes opportunities for training and self-improvement. The investment of time and resources for training pays big dividends in mission accomplishment and job satisfaction. To the extent possible, a clear path for advancement should be available to individuals who demonstrate the ability to perform at higher levels. Leaders should be candid in their assessments and offer subordinates counseling and suggestions for reaching their career goals.

The ideal work environment allows leaders and subordinates to learn from mistakes and discourages premature judgments. When a task is performed with less-than-satisfactory results, good leaders find out what went wrong and take corrective steps. Were the instructions clear and concise? Was there a misunderstanding about what was expected? Good leaders use negative experiences as learning tools for themselves and others. There are few mistakes within the workplace that cannot be corrected. To dwell on a less-than-satisfactory job is counterproductive to completing a project and can have a negative impact on the desire to undertake additional responsibility. Energy belongs focused on making things right instead of making excuses.

Effective leaders show by example that professional disagreements are a positive and productive tool in producing quality results. The freedom to express one's opinion without the threat of long-term consequences is characteristic of an open, honest workplace. Consideration of all views, supporting and opposing, is essential to solving complex tasks requiring critical thinking.

The ideal work environment is one that encourages leaders to exercise fairness, recognize human frailties, and use compassion when dealing with workforce difficulties. Discipline should be used sparingly and only when warranted, and should conform to the situation. Showing care and concern can diffuse problems arising from circumstances outside the work environment or from the occasional bad day. When discipline is necessary, a carefully chosen time and place allows for privacy in a nonhostile atmosphere.

Effective leaders support the needs of the "total" individual and understand the balance between work and family commitments. Leaders who are mindful of an individual's personal life realize that well-rounded and happy employees usually have a satisfying life outside work. For most of us, our families hold the most important position in our lives. Consequently, the ideal work environment includes families, when possible, in social activities. This is an excellent way for leaders to show subordinates that they care about all aspects of their lives.

The contagious and positive qualities of laughter are unparalleled, and there's nothing quite like humor to diffuse a tense situation. The ideal work environment is one in which leaders laugh and encourage others to do the same. I can't say with certainty that laughter contributes to greater productivity, but it surely creates a more enjoyable workplace. Humor brings out a human side of us that contributes to a relaxed, comfortable workplace.

In conclusion, I have outlined some of the characteristics I feel are vitally important in setting the tone for an ideal work environment. Although I emphasize the role of leaders, the support of all members of an organization is essential. Those of us who have served as both leaders and subordinates know that organizational goals are reached through team efforts. The evolutionary process that goes into achieving the model workplace requires an ongoing commitment from each person within an organization, but the results are well worth the effort.

Recently BG Robert Van Antwerp, Assistant Chief of Staff of the Army (Installation Management), spoke at a class I attended. Referring to the continuous learning process, he stated that we provide the fertile soil in which seeds grow. This analogy can be used in relation to enriching the workplace each time we practice those qualities that go into creating the ideal work environment. It is important to understand that the rewards lie in the process of striving for the ideal work environment, whether or not the "ideal" is ever reached.