How to Build High-Performance Organizations with Ryan McShane

Introduction

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, cohost Greg Derwart and I sit down with Ryan McShane, founder of HR Evolution, to uncover the essential elements of building high-performance organizations. Ryan brings over 20 years of HR and leadership development experience, offering invaluable insights into employee engagement, cultural transformation, and leadership shifts necessary for modern success. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies to help your organization thrive.

The Role of Leadership in Workplace Culture

Leadership sets the tone for an organization's culture, and command-and-control leadership is no longer effective in today’s workforce. The new generations entering the job market expect collaborative, purpose-driven leadership rather than outdated authoritarian approaches. Organizations that fail to adapt risk low engagement and high turnover.

Ryan McShane points out that leaders must prioritize engagement and empowerment to create thriving workplaces. “The biggest issue in the workforce today is disengagement. People show up just to get by, doing the bare minimum because they don’t see a path forward. If organizations don’t invest in their people and create an environment where they feel valued, they’re going to lose them—and fast.” By shifting toward a coaching-based leadership style, companies can inspire innovation, increase productivity, and retain top talent.

How Employee Engagement Drives Success

A disengaged workforce leads to poor performance, low morale, and increased turnover, all of which directly impact a company's bottom line. Engagement isn't just about perks and benefits—it's about helping employees see their role in the bigger picture.

Ryan emphasizes that giving employees a voice and making them feel heard is the key to engagement. “You don’t hire the best and brightest just to tell them what to do. You engage them, ask them what they think, and make them part of the solution. The best workplaces today don’t dictate from the top down—they empower from within.” When employees feel ownership over their work, they’re more likely to take initiative, contribute new ideas, and stay committed to the organization.

The most successful companies prioritize transparent communication, career development, and meaningful work. A simple but effective step? Ask employees what they need to succeed—then actually act on it.

Why Traditional HR Practices Are Failing

Many organizations still rely on outdated HR models that focus on compliance and bureaucracy rather than people-first strategies. Job descriptions are vague, performance reviews are meaningless, and employees feel like cogs in a machine rather than valued contributors.

Ryan explains why companies need to rethink their HR approach: “HR isn’t just about policies and paperwork anymore—it’s about driving real cultural transformation. The companies that thrive in the future will be the ones that put people first, create environments where employees want to stay, and align their workforce with a purpose beyond just profits.”

To build high-performance organizations, companies must shift toward strategic HR models that focus on continuous learning, leadership development, and employee empowerment. This means moving beyond reactive HR practices and implementing proactive people strategies that attract and retain the best talent.

Conclusion

Creating a high-performance organization isn’t about squeezing more productivity out of employees—it’s about empowering them to bring their best selves to work. As Ryan McShane emphasizes, leadership, engagement, and HR transformation are the three pillars that define a thriving, sustainable workforce.

If you want to take action today:

• Evaluate your leadership style—Are you empowering your employees or simply managing them?
• Engage with your team—Ask for feedback, implement their ideas, and build a culture of trust.
• Modernize your HR approach—Move beyond compliance and create a people-first strategy that fuels long-term success.

The workplace is evolving, and organizations that prioritize people over processes will be the ones that thrive in the future.