How to Turn Employees Into Crusaders
for Your Cause
by Raymond and Stephanie Yeh
At the heart of every great company is a soul—an esprit de corp that moves through every employee, transforming them from workaday drudges to passionate people dedicated to a higher purpose. These companies have visions that go beyond mere profitability, and attract the most productive, innovative, and motivated employees in their industries. Companies that strive to make a positive difference in the world and communicate that vision clearly to their employees are well-positioned to dominate their industries, as documented in the inspirational stories and case studies from The Art of Business.
How can you create a culture that sets your employee’s performance on fire? How can motivate your people so that they become crusaders for your cause? How do you find people who will eventually become great leaders in your company? How can you communicate your company’s vision so that every employee feels as passionate about it as you do?
To develop passionate, dedicated employees you need this simple formula: do the right thing, and then do things right.
Do the Right Thing
- Make sure you have a cause that people
can be passionate about. If you’re company’s vision is to make a
positive difference in the world, then you’re on the right track.
If you just want make a buck, go back to the drawing
board.
- Check if you’ve got all the leadership
qualities necessary to bring your vision to life: service to a
higher purpose, time to dream, commitment to your vision, the
courage to act, empowerment of others, ethical values, and the
ability to be in the present moment.
Do Things Right
- Hire for attitude, train for aptitude.
You can always help your people develop skills. It’s much harder
to give them the right attitude.
- Communicate your vision in as many ways
as you can—through stories, analogies, books, and
celebrations.
- Walk your talk. Be consistent with your
vision in every speech, action, and decision. Consistent
dedication will create more passion in your company than all the
speeches in the world.
In short, to create a passionate and productive workforce, you need a worthy cause, passionate leadership, the right people, constant communication, and consistent action.
|
