The CHORDS Model™
Our proprietary CHORDS Model™ is a unique approach that goes far beyond “smile sheets” and surface-level changes.
Taking inspiration from the world of musical performance, the CHORDS Model™ provides the crucial roadmap for teams and organizations to create harmonious cultures, where appreciation and respect are the norm and meaningful work is the expectation.
Are the “chords” your leaders and teams play harmonious or out of tune? Everything about your company—from customer satisfaction to employee engagement to retention—depends on that question.
Companies that consistently strike the right chord play 6 “notes” essential for high performance. The more you fine-tune them, the better your results will be.
NOTE 1 – COMMUNICATION
In this age of constant noise, communicating clearly, concisely, and memorably is critical. Leaders whose messages attract and maintain attention—call it the “stickiness factor”—cut through the clutter and inspire action. Keep your written and verbal communication brief, but make every word count.
NOTE 2 – HARMONY
When teams work in harmony, you can feel the energy radiating from them. Trust and morale are high; people collaborate, share ideas, and stay open to different perspectives. Because people care about each other, you won’t hear, “That’s not my job,” but rather, “How can I help you with that?”
NOTE 3 – OWNERSHIP
In a culture of ownership, every employee thinks and acts like a company owner. They’re attentive to small details, exude pride in their work, and go the extra mile. In short, they’re accountable. If a customer is dissatisfied, they’ll do whatever it takes to make it right. And they’ll do it happily.
NOTE 4 – RESPECT
U2 singer Bono said, “To be one, to be united, is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater.” Respect means acknowledging the validity of another’s perspective, even if you disagree. It is the hallmark of effective leaders and an indispensable trait of world-class companies.
NOTE 5 – DIRECTION
Articulating a bold organizational vision is critical to high-performance teams. A vision defines an optimal future state toward which the organization drives. It serves as a North Star whose steadfast guidance focuses and unites people in the effort to achieve ambitious goals.
NOTE 6 – SUPPORT
Research shows that feeling cared for by one’s manager has a more significant impact on people’s sense of trust and safety than any other leader’s behavior. Coaching, ongoing feedback, and encouragement motivate people to stretch and see obstacles as challenges to overcome rather than permanent roadblocks.
Are the “chords” your leaders and teams play harmonious—or out of tune? Everything about your company—from customer satisfaction to employee engagement to retention—depends on that question.
Companies that consistently strike the Right Chords play 6 “notes” essential for high performance. The more you fine-tune them, the better your bottom line will be.
NOTE 1 – COMMUNICATION
In this age of constant noise, communicating clearly, concisely, and memorably is critical. Leaders whose messages attract and maintain attention—call it the “stickiness factor”—cut through the clutter and galvanize action. Keep your written and verbal communication brief, but make every word count.
NOTE 2 – HARMONY
When teams work in harmony, you can feel the energy radiating from them. Trust and morale are high; people collaborate, share ideas, and stay open to different perspectives. Because people care about each other, you won’t hear, “That’s not my job,” but rather, “How can I help you with that?”
NOTE 3 – OWNERSHIP
In a culture of ownership, every employee thinks and acts like a company owner. They’re attentive to small details, exude pride in their work, and go the extra mile. In short, they’re accountable. If a customer is unsatisfied, they’ll do whatever it takes to make it right. And they’ll do it happily.
NOTE 4 – RESPECT
U2 singer Bono said, “To be one, to be united, is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater.” Respect means acknowledging the validity of another’s perspective, even if you disagree. It is the hallmark of effective leaders and an indispensable trait of world-class companies.
NOTE 5 – DIRECTION
Articulating a bold organizational vision is critical to high-performance teams. A vision defines an optimal future state toward which the organization drives. It serves as a North Star whose steadfast guidance focuses and unties people in the effort to achieve ambitious goals.
NOTE 6 – SUPPORT
Research shows that feeling cared for by one’s manager has a more significant impact on people’s sense of trust and safety than any other leader’s behavior. Coaching, ongoing feedback, and encouragement motivate people to stretch and see obstacles as challenges to overcome rather than permanent roadblocks.