The British Army calls it The Moral Component of Fighting Power ................

........ in business we call it our Principles and Ethos.  Either way it is the thing that motivates us to be successful.  

"If time and effort is invested in it, all things become possible. If it is neglected, no amount of resources will compensate for it" (ADP Operations).

 During the Industrial Age the work place was run with an autocratic leadership style; those days are over and workers expect a far more democratic experience.  This experience means that we are more interested in intrinsic (rather than extrinsic) reward. If we get our principles and ethos right, our team become far more than just employees; they are contributors and stakeholders.  Intrinsic rewards mean we are less concerned about what we can get from our employer but more interested in the long term success of the business.  Everyone wins.

In Start ups this is especially important (not least 'cos' we are generally skint) as instilling Principles and Ethos early allow the team to focus on the long game and being part of a movement or revolution.    At LINQ, our revolution - the Information Supply Chain Revolution - is underpinned by our Ethos.  go to www.linq.it to join the revolution.