In a recent post, Randy Mayeux of First Friday Book Synopsis shared his list of what he identifies as his “12 Vital Signs of Organizational Health.” To read that post, please click here.

Randy got me thinking about organizational health and I decided to share my own list. Actually, here is a baker’s dozen of “vital signs,” in no particular order:

o The company always “lives within its means.”
o Those who work for its competitors apply for positions whenever they are available.
o It has little (if any) attrition of talent.
o Supervisors are immensely competent servant leaders with highly developed emotional intelligence.
o With rare exception, its people only use first-person plural pronouns when discussing the company.
o Prudent, carefully thought-out risks are required…and rewarded.
o After people retire, they are invited to be mentors of new hires and paid well for their services.
o Generous bonuses are paid to “problem finders.” Everyone is an eager problem solver.
o Using up all paid-allowances (e.g. vacations days, parental allowances) is also required
o All so-called “indispensable” people train at least two immediate replacements, if and when needed.
o Its employees urge their family members, friends, and neighbors to work there.
o Its most highly respected employees are directly involved in recruiting interviewing, hiring, and onboarding.
o The company has only two rules:

#1: Use good judgment.
#2: See Rule #1.

What do you think?