We’re Not The Same

There are about 6.7 billion of us living on the little blue planet. We come from rich families, poor families, we are old, young, smart, not so smart, creative, technical, emotional, and cold. We are kind and mean, helpful and selfish. Some of us take the credit for others' work, others take all the blame. A few of us even do truly selfless work and help others because it's the right thing to do. Some of us feel the need to boast about every victory while others are shy and self-doubtful.

How many of these people work with you or with your company? Perhaps you're at one of those rare places where everyone is exactly the same?

When I talk to colleagues and clients who are involved in a struggling venture, they often point to problems with the product or the price or competition or technology. Few think that if they looked closely at the people, they may find the answer.

Consultants are usually hired to “fix it”. That’s not good enough, and it’s a band-aid at best. If you can motivate people, find their strengths, give them the tools in the right position within the organization – you will have a fighting chance to compete on price, product, technology and competition.

This is not about scaring or firing people - it's about empowering people. Or the “teach a person to fish vs. give a person a fish” lesson.

We have all been in meetings where the boss reprimands the group because sales are down or because market share has softened. Is everyone on the team to blame? Is everyone working at optimum levels? Does everyone have the same level of expertise in the group? Has the game plan been clearly mapped out to everyone? Is there a game plan?? Is there constant follow-up on how to carry out that plan? And is everyone on the team motivated the same way?

Treat everyone in your organization the same and you risk losing your top performers. Lower the bar and your competition may soon be some of the people in your boardroom now.

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