In the quest for organizational success and growth, effective leadership and a positive work culture play pivotal roles. At the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha, the Managing Director, has taken an inspiring stance, urging staff to embrace open feedback channels and cultivate a culture of growth. During a recent mentorship session held at the NWSC Chambers in Nakasero, Dr. Mugisha emphasized the profound impact of setting up a feedback culture within the organization, promoting productivity, clear communication, and holistic development in the workforce.
Creating an environment of empathy and positive thinking facilitates the free flow of ideas within the institution, fostering open feedback channels. Dr. Silver highlighted the importance of utilizing both informal and formal approaches to gather information about the organization’s functioning. Surprisingly, he suggested that some of the most valuable insights come from seemingly “ridiculous” approaches.
In a series of leadership sessions delivered to NWSC staff, Dr. Mugisha stressed the significance of establishing a shared understanding among leaders to address existing challenges. He encouraged leaders to demonstrate their commitment to problem-solving and maintain transparent communication, providing rationales for decisions, sharing past experiences and solutions, and outlining feasible plans of action.
Drawing attention to the vital role of emotional intelligence, Dr. Mugisha emphasized the value of using formal approaches to organize known rationales and data when tackling real-life issues. Moreover, he advised managers to engage in regular reality checks to reassess their strategies and ensure they are tackling the right challenges.
In his wise words, “The worst thing a leader can do is aim for the wrong goalpost.” To ensure effective leadership, Dr. Mugisha advised staff to refrain from being swayed by baseless rumors, sectarian logics, or favoritism, as these can seriously undermine teamwork and resource allocation efficiency, leading to poor performance.
Dr. Mugisha also highlighted the importance of setting the right incentives for employees to contribute their ideas and drive success. He emphasized the need for a mindset that combats free-riding, as it can be a cancer that jeopardizes an organization’s productivity. The key lies in identifying trusted champions—only 20% of employees—who can yield a substantial 80% of results. Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role here in managing such situations effectively.
By promoting open feedback channels, encouraging transparent communication, and championing emotional intelligence, Dr. Mugisha sets an excellent example for effective leadership. His vision of a workplace that thrives on problem-solving, teamwork, and continuous improvement serves as a guiding light for organizations aiming to achieve sustainable growth and success. As businesses look to the future, embracing these principles will undoubtedly lead to a workforce that is empowered, motivated, and committed to reaching new heights.
