Traditional workplace culture often focuses on metrics, salaries, and tangible perks. But what happens when a business leader takes a fundamentally different approach – one centered on genuine human connection and belief in people’s potential? Leading seven successful companies in Australia, one entrepreneur has cracked the code by treating employees not as resources, but as whole human beings with lives, families, and aspirations. This refreshingly personal approach to leadership, pioneered by Chris Allchin, is transforming how modern companies think about team building and creating a positive company culture.
The Foundation of Strong Teams
Chris’s approach to building high-performing teams starts with looking in unexpected places. Rather than posting on job boards, he seeks out top performers within other organizations. “Finding people that are a players because the ones that are on the unemployment list, they’re probably not the best ones,” he explains. But finding talent is just the beginning. Chris emphasizes the importance of proper compensation coupled with genuine human connection. “Don’t be stingy with the money. And not just the money, don’t be stingy with how you operate,” he advises. “Money is important, but it’s not enough. You need to create a wonderful culture, understanding them, getting to know your team members better.”
Personal Touch in Leadership
What sets Chris’s leadership style apart is his attention to personal details. When referring to the front desk operator, “Know that Sally has three kids and what they love,” he explains. “Make little notes of these things. So when you talk to Sally next, you ask her about the kids. Or maybe you buy a little present for the kids knowing what they like.” This approach creates loyalty that goes beyond salary considerations. As he puts it, “People don’t start just measuring their job as ‘I’m getting paid this much and over here I can get paid more or less.’ They’re like, ‘I really love the culture here. I’m seen. I’m a part of something.'”
Chris’s management philosophy centers on showing genuine belief in people’s potential. “The power of belief is huge. Do you ever notice when someone has a role or they’re doing something and you have the belief in them to give them more responsibility, how much they improve?” he observes. “They’re like, ‘Wow, they believe in me.'”
Creating a Sustainable Work Culture
His companies start each day with an unusual ritual – gratitude sharing. “My management meetings are a lot like a coaching session,” he explains. “I ask them what they’re grateful for today because I know how important that is to me. I’m trying to spread that through the culture of all of my businesses.”
For entrepreneurs looking to expand, Chris shares wisdom learned from his mentor: “Having one business is risky.” Instead of pouring 80-hour weeks into a single venture, he advocates building strong teams and delegating effectively. “I don’t try and do it all alone,” he says. “What I’ve become really good at is building a team of experts in every space so that I bring them on this journey with me. We grow together.”
On balancing multiple businesses with family life, Chris is refreshingly honest. “Work-life balance is an interesting concept… I think there needs to be some acceptance that it’s more of a work-life blend. I think a balance is probably a myth if you’re talking 50/50.” His solution? Clear boundaries and priorities. He reserves weekends strictly for family unless there’s an essential event, and starts his day at 5 AM for personal time. “I get up early to do my personal gym so that I’m not really impeding on family time,” he explains.
To learn more about Chris Allchin, check out his website or visit his LinkedIn profile.
