Ivy Sea's Sarah Fenson signed on as the firm's first full-time employee in
January 1996, and is currently the firm's director of client services.

If I worked in an environment where problems were the primary drivers of our actions and our discussions, I’d be out of a job in a New-York minute. I can’t operate like that, and I don’t believe healthy businesses can either. If leaders are focusing on the negative, there’s little room available for productive dialogue and learning, which are the qualities that lead to happier employees, better service and improved products.

One solution: trade in your negative focus for an information-sharing approach.

The other side of that coin: Ivy Sea, Inc.
From my perspective, one of the best things about being an employee at this small, entrepreneurial business is that I’m kept abreast of and included in decisions concerning every facet of the company. (And I mean ‘every’ — from participating in strategic planning sessions to choosing what plants to put where.) There are no secrets or ‘partner-only topics’ that lead to problems down the road because employees were uninformed, felt left out, or were unaware of changes in the business.

While this information-sharing trait is not intrinsic to all entrepreneurs, I believe it’s one they should adopt if they want retain their employees and thrive in business. A couple of outcomes I’ve had as a direct result of this leadership approach include:

• A solid understanding of how I fit in to the group, how else I can contribute, and what benefits I reap, resulting in more meaningful and productive work from me.

• A direct tap into the company vision, ensuring my actions and ideas are influenced by and parallel to the direction the partners want to take the business.

• A cargo-hold full of learnings that span business, communication, intrapersonal, etc., which in turn enriches the company and our clients.

• A stronger link with the organization, solidifying retention.

So, if your ‘leadership telescope’ is usually focused on putting out fires instead of preventing them, pointing the finger instead of giving responsibility, or criticizing instead of praising, take a tip from this employee:

Sharing information about your business with employees can help them become better collaborators as you work to create your vision.

The benefits of conscious communication

Mindful relationship-building

The 4-1-1 on constructive criticism

Engaged listening and inquiry

Deep listening: how can it benefit you?

Key traits of skillful listeners

Take-charge tips for better interactions