Of course...

Of course people should read their job description and do all the things they’re supposed to do.

Of course they should go the extra mile and look for ways to get better and do better.

Of course they should see the company goals as their own because what’s good for the company is good for them.

Reasonable expectations, all of them.

A fair trade for the salary, benefits, security, and professional development the job offers. 

But maybe…

When we make the extrinsic motivators – like salary, time off, candy machines and foosball tables in the lobby – the focus, we create a transaction, not connection.

Of course we want to find people with batteries included.

But maybe…

We haven’t given them the right things to care about.

People – all people – are wired for connection and contribution. Yet, the vast majority of employees worldwide are unengaged in their jobs (seriously). 

Maybe it’s time to…

• Revisit, re-vision and reconnect to why your business exists in the first place.
• Paint a picture of the better future your solution creates for the world. 
• Help your people align who they are to the work they do.

Support them in seeing how their strengths, their role, their energy moves everyone toward this higher goal.

Of course, it’s not your responsibility to reach into the hearts of your employees to activate their passion, values and strengths.

But maybe, it’s the most important work you’ll do. 

If this rings true for you, forward to another driven leader in your life.