A Philosophy for Company Success
For those following these blogs over the past couple of years, you may have noticed my consistent closing message. It’s where I express my sincere desire for your company’s success and the well-being of all who rely on it.
Raising the Question
Recently, someone asked me to clarify the meaning behind this sentiment. In essence, it boils down to the notion that if you run a company with employees, those individuals depend on the company’s success for their prosperity, as well as that of their families and anyone else who relies on them for support or fulfillment of needs.
Human Nature
I’ve always challenged statements like “You work for me” or “You work for the company.” In my perspective, people primarily work for themselves, not for any other individual or organization. While this may seem like a play on words, I genuinely believe that, at their core, people are most concerned with their well-being, as opposed to anyone else’s or the company’s. It’s human nature, isn’t it?
Recognizing Good Work
To the best of my memory, any organization I’ve been involved in where I had an influence achieved greater success when employees were treated in this manner, rather than being seen as mere assets owned by the company. In my experience, individuals tend to be more productive when they feel acknowledged primarily for their contributions to the organization’s success. I recognize that this approach may not be the “norm,” but I consider it pivotal to the fabric of an organization’s culture.
An Employee-Centric Philosophy
When I encounter a company with a stable workforce that has remained intact for years with minimal turnover, I can infer that this philosophical element is in place. Conversely, companies with high turnover rates often lack this fundamental practice, assuming they manage to survive. Not all managers, owners, and leaders subscribe to or comprehend this theory. They fail to realize that a lack of productivity, which negatively impacts the bottom line, can often be attributed directly to an employee’s attitude.
Strong Culture = Thriving
Please don’t misunderstand me; I’ve had individuals attempt to exploit this management strategy, and they ultimately had to be dealt with. However, they were always the exception rather than the rule.
You see, companies with strong cultures that embrace these management principles tend to attract like-minded individuals eager for a similar work environment, and as a result, they tend to thrive. In most cases, it truly does take a village. That said, I’ve consistently found greater success in keeping my villagers content.
A Familiar Refrain
Once again, I appreciate your valuable time, and as always, I extend my sincere wishes for your company’s success, as it impacts everyone who depends on it, including you.
Best regards,
Steve
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