In a recent episode of the “Courage to Lead” interview series, we had the privilege of speaking with Rebecca Moulynox, the General Manager for Great Place to Work in Australia and New Zealand. Over the course of our conversation, Rebecca shared her incredible journey, which spanned various roles, from payroll and HR to leadership focused on employee engagement and workplace culture. This blog post delves into key themes and actionable insights from our chat, offering invaluable advice for aspiring leaders who want to make a difference in their organisations.
Rebecca Moulynox – What is Great Place to Work?
Great Place to Work is an organisation dedicated to enhancing workplace cultures worldwide. The organisation is best known for its annual lists, such as the Best Workplaces in Australia, Best Workplaces for Women, and Best Workplaces in Technology. Through certification, they recognise companies that create outstanding work environments. Their mission is clear: to positively impact employees, their families, and the wider community by fostering workplaces that promote trust, respect, and overall well-being.
Global Reach and Consistency
Rebecca Moulynox shared how Great Place to Work operates across 170 countries, supporting around 22,000 customers globally. Their annual employee survey gathers feedback across different industries and countries, pinpointing the universal elements of a great workplace. These insights highlight how certain core principles, like trust and recognition, transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, offering clear guidance on what truly makes a workplace great, no matter the industry.
1. The Importance of Empathy in Leadership – Rebecca Moulynox
Rebecca’s first true leadership experience came at Bunnings, where a supportive supervisor made a lasting impact on her. This mentor showed genuine concern for his team’s well-being and treated them as individuals, fostering a sense of belonging. This moment shaped Rebecca’s understanding of what effective leadership should look like—empathy is key.
- Listen Actively: Take the time to understand your team members’ perspectives and life situations. Be genuinely interested in their stories.
- Create a Sense of Belonging: Learn names, celebrate milestones, and show appreciation for individual contributions to build a tight-knit team.
- Offer Support: Whether it’s a new hire or a nervous employee, offer guidance and encouragement to make them feel valued.
2. Adaptability and Consistency
One of Rebecca Moulynox’s key insights revolved around the balance leaders must strike between adaptability and consistency. While leadership styles need to evolve based on the needs of the team, being inconsistent in decision-making or treatment of employees can breed distrust and create a toxic work culture.
- Stay Flexible: Adapt your leadership style to the varying needs of individuals, recognising that every team member is unique.
- Maintain Consistency: Be reliable in your actions and decisions. Trust is built when people know what to expect from you.
- Communicate Effectively: Clear communication is essential. Set expectations early and provide regular feedback to keep everyone on the same page.
3. The Role of HR in Shaping Workplace Culture
Rebecca’s transition to becoming the General Manager of Great Place to Work was fuelled by her desire to improve workplace environments. Having experienced toxic workplaces earlier in her career, she felt driven to use her HR expertise to foster cultures of respect, support, and inclusion. HR plays a pivotal role in advocating for employees and shaping a positive environment.
- Champion Employees: HR professionals should ensure the well-being of staff is prioritised, advocating for their needs at all organisational levels.
- Foster a Positive Culture: Implement policies and practices that create inclusivity, collaboration, and open dialogue.
- Provide Continuous Support: Offer avenues for employees to voice concerns and seek support, ensuring they feel heard and valued.
4. The Impact of Trust on Organisational Success – Rebecca Moulynox
Rebecca Moulynox emphasised the foundational importance of trust within any organisation. Great Place to Work’s Trust Index measures this critical element, and it’s clear that when employees trust their leaders, everything else improves—engagement, satisfaction, and productivity soar.
- Be Transparent: Honesty is key in building trust. Communicate openly about challenges and successes alike.
- Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster an environment where employees feel safe to share their ideas and concerns without fear of retaliation.
- Acknowledge Efforts: Regularly recognise contributions, both big and small, to reinforce trust and motivate continued dedication.
5. The Power of Positive Leadership -Rebecca Moulynox
Rebecca shared a powerful story about a colleague who experienced a remarkable transformation after joining a positive, supportive workplace. This story illuminated just how profoundly a positive leadership approach can influence an employee’s life, both at work and beyond.
- Lead with Positivity: Create a workplace where optimism, support, and encouragement are the norm.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage flexibility and acknowledge the importance of employees’ personal lives and well-being.
- Celebrate Success: Make it a habit to celebrate individual and team achievements, reinforcing a culture of gratitude and motivation.
Conclusion
Rebecca Moulynox’s insights offer profound guidance for those seeking to become effective leaders in today’s workplace. Her focus on empathy, adaptability, consistency, trust, and positive leadership is a powerful formula for creating better work environments. Leaders who prioritise these principles will not only transform their organisations but will also make a lasting, meaningful impact on the lives of their employees and the communities they serve.
For more stories and advice from leaders committed to driving employee engagement, be sure to tune into the “Courage to Lead” interview series.