If you were to ask those who report to you, “What do you like best about working here?” would they answer in terms of growth, contribution and passion — or would they mostly mention perks? Or worse, would they use the old response, “Well, at least I have a job”?
Nothing wrong with being thankful for one’s job, especially in this economy. But as you can imagine, it’s not exactly enough to blast any of us out of bed in the morning, much less inspire growth and innovation.
What is this mindset costing you?
If too many members of your team fall into the at-least-I-have-a-job category — or if you do – it could be time for you to shake things up, in a good way. Here are three ways to get started:
1. Sharpen your vision. As Jim Rohn said, “Make sure the greatest pull on you is the pull of the future.” What better way to break free from the grip of fear, negativity or even complacency than by creating a compelling view of the future?
Let your goals come from the heart, not just the head. As John Kotter observed in A Sense of Urgency, Martin Luther King Jr. did not rouse the passions of a nation by standing up on Washington Mall and announcing, “I have a strategic plan.”
2. Give others a reason to buy in. Craig Valentine, who left a highly successful sales career to become a world-champion speaker, often says, “People buy into what they help create.” So if you can get your team to reflect on what achieving this goal or set of goals will mean for them, they will be much more excited to help drive the goal(s) through. Encourage each team member to come up with an image that captures this meaning on a personal level.
Some may prefer to rely on other sensory cues instead. For example, when I was training for the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon, I created a playlist of my favorite music, to capture the thrill I imagined of crossing the finish line with energy to spare. Whatever works.
3. Celebrate success. Here’s an example: Rich Newman, a fellow alumnus of the University of San Diego, is the principal of an elementary school here in southern California. Two years ago, he vowed publicly that if schoolwide test scores rose to a certain level across the board, he would shave his head. The celebration (and head-shaving) not only attracted positive publicity, it added to the community’s joy over what they had achieved – which, not surprisingly, exceeded their own expectations.
If they can do it, why not you?
The lesson, of course, is not to shave your head, but to aim high with goals that matter, engage hearts as well as minds, help others find positive reasons to care, and to make winning fun. If you can do all of that, the what-do-you-like-best question will have its own built-in answer.
Network with Gina