Think your closet needs a spring cleaning? What about your office?  “We’re not talking about a new ficus in the corner and some new frames for your desk,” says Executive Coach Libby Wagner. “Get rid of what isn’t working and work your way to a profit culture.”

1)      Confronting the “messy area.” Much the same way you would start to clean your house, you must approach your business. Confront the issues at hand. According to Libby, confrontation should be respectful, direct and specific. Clearly articulate your vision and create alignment among your employees. If done right, according to Libby, your employees may never even know they are being confronted!

2)      What’s your ultimate goal? Ask for what you want. Too often, according to Libby, leaders focus on what they don’t want and lack the detail or specifics in identifying what they do want from their employees. “One of the most important changes you can make to your leadership and communication is to utilize language that is efficient and effective. “

3)      Don’t just sit there-take action and clean too! You, as the leader, should be a part of the process.  Be part of the team and show your commitment.

4)      Change- Change is part of life. Some things must go by the wayside. Whether it’s your team jersey from high school or an employee that isn’t contributing. Libby says that a leader’s recommitment to his or her initiatives and culture change is essential. “Do what you have to do in order to keep the culture and initiatives moving in a positive direction. Keep the lines of communication open and be a leader in tough times. Your employees will adapt to the change or changes with a little more empathy and full disclosure of the situation from its leaders.”

5)      Keeping the place clean- while sustaining a profit culture. The only way to keep your business in check is to focus on what follows after you have done all that hard work. “Stay wholeheartedly committed,” says Libby.  “It is the emotional fortitude of the leader and communication infrastructure that will make or break the initiative. So, as a leader, keep your attitude and commitment to the process and so will your followers!”

Libby has worked with numerous Fortune 500 clients and CEOs, including: The Boeing Company, Nike, Philips, ST Microelectronics, Diageo and Costco.

Image courtesy of rsepulveda.