Bank of America

Algrish C. Williams

How important is it for an organization to be “people-first”? Over the course of my career, I’ve found that it’s one of the defining tenets that leads to strong teams, successful outcomes and overall great places to work.

For more than 26 years, I served as a senior human resources leader and advisor in the military. And last year, I transitioned into the corporate environment. It was the culture of a company that clearly prioritizes its people that drew my attention to Bank of America.  One thing that struck me right away when I came onboard: we call our colleagues “teammates,” not just co-workers.

From my work in the military to my new role in the financial sector, here are three key ways that I’ve seen leaders bring “people-first” cultures to life.

Build genuine relationships

If you’re leading a team, purposely setting aside 10 to 15 minutes a few times during the week to get to know something about someone on your team creates camaraderie. Sometimes, sharing your story with the team is a way to connect and show that you have walked in their shoes and navigated similar challenges. Another simple but powerful practice is acknowledging special occasions like birthdays or work anniversaries and recognizing the personal and professional accomplishments of your fellow teammates to make sure they feel appreciated.

Keep a pulse on the team

When you listen to your people, they feel valued and acknowledged – and it helps you to grow and adapt as a leader. There are different ways to create the feedback loops, so you can find the ones that are most authentic to your team and leadership style. Whether that’s through surveys, one-on-one meetings, focus groups or other channels, actively seeking feedback shows that you are putting your people first. When communication is a two-way street, your teammates will feel heard and more invested in outcomes, and your team will be stronger as a result.

" When communication is a two-way street, your teammates will feel heard and more invested in outcomes, and your team will be stronger as a result "

Recognize that failure is an opportunity to learn and grow

People make mistakes, and, as a leader, these situations can be tricky to navigate. But over the course of my career, I’ve seen that the best leaders are those that coach individuals and their teams through failures, helping everyone to learn and grow from mistakes. This is especially important if you’re working with people at the junior level, who may be just starting out in their careers. I always think of the motto: “we succeed and fail as a team.”

Prioritize your people and their well-being

Creating a team and workplace that recognizes the important of overall well-being – physical, financial and emotional – is so important.  On an organizational level, that’s investing in high-quality benefits and programs. On an individual basis, it’s staying attuned to your teammate’s needs and overall wellness so that they can be their best at work and at home.

Celebrate a diversity of perspectives

Whether you are leading a small team or large company, creating a diverse, inclusive culture where your teammates are valued for individual strengths and perspectives is key. At Bank of America, we often say “our diversity makes us stronger” – and that’s a validation of the way we view each individual teammate: as important and valued.