Mark Denton

SAFE

Physical Safety, Emotional Safety, Psychological Safety

Feeling safe is an innate human pre-requisite which has literally allowed us to evolve as a species. And our whole bodies are designed to seek this on three fronts; physically, emotionally and psychologically. And only when we feel safe within these can we thrive.

If any one is threatened, then our focus is on protecting ourselves rather than taking the calculated risks necessary to advance ourselves and our cause.

So creating a culture where people feel safe to perform is crucial, especially if the environment we are in is a challenging one.

HAPPY

Inclusion, Motivational, Self Actualisation

Next up is the importance of doing all we can to help people be happy. Because happy people and teams are more productive, have more staying power, are more compassionate, and easier to work with and within.

There are some key things we need in order to be happy at work. Feeling included and valued for instance. Being motivated by our work, its purpose and its rewards. Having the opportunity to be stretched, give our all, realise our dreams and be the best that we can be.

So creating a culture where these factors are ever present is also crucial.

FAST

Focus, Efficiency, Agility

And lastly the undeniable factor of the need to be Fast.

Fast in terms of a clear focus on the destination to ensure the straightest course. Fast in terms of efficiency of the operation, in order to optimise the result. Fast in terms of agility, to rapidly innovate and change, when challenges demand the need.

Why is it the last word? Because slow boats never win, not on the ocean and never in business, a fact that has been further magnified by the highly competitive, constantly changing, volatile world of today where speed and agility is everything.