Built to Grow

Chapter 11People Strategy

‘One of the greatest assets of your business walks out the door every night. What are you doing to get them to return next day inspired, motivated, and enthused to be the best they can be?’

John doesn’t feel the same about work anymore. Something’s changed. He used to approach it with commitment and drive, happily doing extra hours because he believed in where they were going and what they were doing as an organization. They were in this together. But now things are different. A new management structure has made him voiceless and depressed. Decisions he was once part of are now made behind his back. And the result? Discretionary effort; going the extra mile; working beyond contractual obligation have been withdrawn. Emotionally, John has checked out. The goodwill has gone. He takes more sick days now.

This hypothetical example describes a common and real scenario in businesses all around the world today, and worryingly, for many it may be considered the norm. You may not even realize, but the chances are high that within your own business you may have at least one John, perhaps even more.

One of the greatest assets of your business walks out the door every night. What are you doing to get them to return next day inspired, motivated, and enthused to be the best they can be?

Are People a Cost or an Investment in Your Business?

When I ask business owners, business leaders, and entrepreneurs what their biggest asset is, I routinely get the response ‘It’s ...