Things to Think About

“A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected.”  Anonymous

Understanding this simple concept, and applying it, is what sets good leaders apart from all the others who are struggling with lack of engagement in their workforce and the attendant lack of creative, innovative, competition-beating thinking that they wish “their people” had.  Many years ago, I met a leader who later became a close friend and a member of the PLI faculty.  His name is David Ferguson.  He ran a successful global electronics business based in Cleveland, Ohio.  One day I was speaking to one of David’s direct reports and I asked him what it was like working for David, what was it that made him work as hard as did to achieve the success the company enjoyed.  I’ll never forget his answer. “David is the kind of guy you just don’t want to let down.”  Why?  Because David went beyond transactional relationships with everyone who worked for him.  He worked hard to create a human connection with people—to let them know how important their individual contribution was to the company’s success, to care about them—to show them his genuine appreciation for them as individuals. Think about it—appreciation—it costs nothing, but the impact is immeasurable.  Not a bad return on investment.

Good luck on your journey!