I am sending up a warning signal to all leaders, and I hope this finds you in time to spare you from disappointment. The more I interact with companies all over the world there’s an attitude impacting people. Perhaps this kind of thinking has always been around, but it seems people are becoming brave in announcing it.
What’s the issue? What has me concerned?
People are boldly proclaiming that they want as much success as possible for as little effort as possible.
That should give you great caution as you move forward. Take a moment and imagine having a team full of people with this attitude. In this scenario your company could become stifled by a lack of passion and caring.
Allow me to address an issue before we move forward. I’m not advocating that a person’s life or identity revolve around their career and work. This isn’t a blog justifying 60- or 70-hour work weeks. Not at all.
I want to attack the thought that just enough is good enough.
When doing just enough becomes the standard by which people measure their efforts, our customers will find companies who take an active interest in their happiness and satisfaction.
Teams who give minimal effort result in customers who lack passion for the brand. A brand and company without passionate customers will not have staying power in today’s market.
Hire the right person for the right job. Align passions, attitude, and skills with the roles you have available in the company.
Some leaders will say that any employee is better than no employee. That’s a dangerous statement to believe. You’ll end up with people who fill a seat but don’t care about what they do.
Put the right people in the right chairs.
You want a team that cares about the customer more than their time card.
When you’re interviewing someone, look for reasons NOT to hire them. Be willing to fire them during the interview process.
Ask hard questions.
What are their goals? What are their financial aspirations? Where do they want to live? Why did they leave their last job? What was the favorite thing about where they worked before? What was the worst thing about their last workplace?
Listen for red flags. Read between the lines.
Does the person want to work or just punch a clock?
Hire slow. Take your time and get the right people in the building.
Chronic complaining is a cancer that will kill any culture.
Employees are going to complain. There is no such thing as the perfect workplace. For every team member who adores you, there will be two who pick apart every decision you make.
People who are chronic complainers will use their complaints as reasons to not do excellent work.
Address the complaints. Make the workplace better. Hold people accountable to excellence.
But it may come down to releasing people who look for excuses instead of reaching to be a better version of themselves.
We want the best on our teams. Be on guard against an attitude that minimal effort should produce maximum reward.
People who care create unparalleled experiences that will never be forgotten. Those who dial it in end up sending customers to competitors.
Build a passionate team who loves excellence and those with an attitude that minimal effort is satisfactory will grow uncomfortable and move on of their own accord.
Success is the result of those willing to work for it.
Surround yourself with those wanting to be a success.
Do that, and your leadership journey will be marked by a pursuit for excellence.
Creating Unparalleled Experiences,
Chris Adams
Ellis Adams Group is always updating our blogs with the latest and greatest, view more below.
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