The Power Of Positive Culture

With the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland we are facing unprecedented challenges. Companies need to be agile during any period of economic uncertainty and today’s business leaders have been forced into the development of new strategies to ensure survival.

Experienced leadership trainer Marina Bleahen has forged a niche within the industry by partnering with global leaders for the provision of corporate training and coaching to businesses across Ireland. Founded in 2019, BusinessWorks Consulting is a network team of leadership experts specialising in bringing together strategy and culture to enable firms to improve overall performance.

The most successful entrepreneurs have the resourcefulness to solve a myriad of problems that may arise. At this pivotal time for Ireland, Bleahen is adamant that a decisive approach to leadership is more important than ever. “This Covid-19 crisis is about people and there’s a demand on leaders to step up,” she says. “Being resilient is a key part of leadership and this pandemic is really going to test that. Adapt, mind your courage and make a new plan – but don’t give up.”

She adds: “We’re in a new environment and it’s really important for leaders to make the best plan they can. It’s important to focus on the future and what you can control. At BusinessWorks, we give firms a new language by taking them on a journey of becoming the best they can be through awareness, emotional intelligence and how to become an effective leader – but all the while focused on the commercial success of the business. That is to my core; everything we do will come back to deliver commercial success.”

Emotionally intelligent leaders have the power to be self-reliant and resilient in developing ideas. “In a time of crisis,” explains Bleahen, “they will recognise that they have the power to make key decisions. They can see the big picture, focus on the possibilities and seek out opportunities even in the face of adversity.”

By facilitating the personal development of every member of the organisation, small firms can significantly improve engagement. There is now an opportunity to innovate business models and optimise commercial success.

“Prior to Covid-19, the war for talent raged and soaring recruitment costs were a real challenge,” states Bleahen. “Now, it’s vitally important that leaders recognise that there is a lot of fear and uncertainty out there. People are worried about their family, health and future.”

The leader’s role is to reframe the vision and it is critical that they communicate with employees in an optimistic way. Business owners must dig deep and really recognise what they can control and focus on ways to innovate their business models so they can come back to the market stronger and more human.

“This crisis is life-changing for all of us,” says Bleahen. “However, it does bring with it an opportunity to stand back and assess the business so you are ready to advance to the post-Covid-19 business environment.

“As a business owner and leader myself, I was in a spin at the start of this pandemic and therefore understand what goes on in my clients’ minds. It’s so important to focus on what you can control and improve so that you can look back on this period as a time when stronger systems were put in place for the business to transform from good to great.”

Leadership qualities

Starting and running your own business successfully is no easy task and oftentimes can be as stressful as it is rewarding. Building business resilience is very much about open and honest communication, according to the BusinessWorks Consulting founder.

“It’s about not accepting mediocrity,” she informs. “Coaching is about people becoming the best they can be by working together to improve. The leader sets the tone; set out to do an extraordinary job and hold yourself accountable to your goals.”

Some leadership qualities differ in nature, but incorporating a positive culture will drive success for the business. Results will always be the motivation for cultural change and the measure of a company’s success. By continuing to come to the table with solutions, it’s possible to change the outlook of any team.

“We really want people to own their success,” states Bleahen, “both in and out of work so they can have that financial security to live the lives they want. You’ve one life; this is show-time, not a rehearsal. When a client tells me of the dramatic impact our work has made on their business, it’s really powerful and this is the greatest part of my job.

“Our beliefs drive our actions. At BusinessWorks we change how people think and act to deliver a new result – and that’s the power of a positive culture.

“Change the culture, change the game,” she concludes.