Business Bio: Morningstar Ventures

Happy Engagement?

Consultancy Stresses Relationships, Leadership

The success Andrea Chilcote and her business consulting firm, Morningstar Ventures, have enjoyed during the economic downturn has come thanks in part to an often-overlooked aspect of business development.

“Our business has been really strong because of the personal relationships I make with clients to really satisfy their unique needs,” she said.

This type of engagement – but with employees – is what Chilcote believes is missing from many organizations today. If the cyclical downturn continues, she warns employee loyalty and long-term stability will continue falling.

“Change is constant, and that – combined with all the generational issues and differences that companies are slow to respond to – makes it very difficult to engage, retain and attract good talent,” stressed Chilcote, who helps companies thrive in areas such as leadership development, executive development, team performance and personal change.

When company leadership is slow to engage, the risk of employees feeling undervalued, overworked and overstressed is high. Add these thoughts to the personal issues many people deal with on a daily basis, and it’s no wonder employee satisfaction falters.

According to Chilcote, creating a culture of employee engagement is less about a strong benefits package than it is about developing strong leaders.

The advantage businesses have today is that a perfect storm of economic, political and social challenges made everyone students again. Furthermore, in most cases, the seeds for success are already planted.

“How much energy, focus, time, effort and money has your organization dedicated to employee engagement or satisfaction surveys, training of front-line leaders, executive development and communication of strategy?” she asks. “It’s time to walk the talk. I believe those who blaze the trail will lead the future.”