One of my favorite quotes that captures the essence of what is wrong with so many workplaces comes from a Harvard Business Review article:"Most companies have it wrong. They don't
have to motivate their employees. They have to stop demotivating them." It reminds me of a similar quote by the late management guru Peter Drucker: "So much of what
we call management consists in making it difficult for people to work."
Creating a more fun, inspiring and wildly successful workplace isn't always about doing things. Sometimes it's about not doing things. If you're a leader, it's about knowing when to get out of the way. It's about freeing up people to shine and do their best work. It's about eliminating wasteful and downright annoying policies and procedures that treat people (including customers) like children and punish everyone because of the actions of one person.
I love Zappos (the Las Vegas based on-line shoe business) approach and overarching philosophy: If you hire the right people, train them properly, and foster an amazing culture, you don't need a bunch of policies and rules. What's Zappos approach if an employee does cross the line with the amount of freedom they are given? They have a conversation with that one individual! I've observed the same pattern in workplaces around the globe: The stronger the culture, the less need there is for micromanaging leaders, onerous policies, and outdated rules.
So as you continue building a rocking great workplace, look for opportunities to go on a policy diet. Challenge assumptions. Eliminate outdated rules. Form a "Sacred Cows Committee" to carve out the fat.
Because more often than not, true inspiration happens when you just get out of the way.
Mike's Fun at Work Tip
Last week I talked about celebrating the age diversity in your workplace, so how about a theme day to celebrate everyone's heritage or ethnic background? Encourage everyone to dress in clothing that is representative of their heritage or birthplace (just make sure the Scots wear something under their kilts).
Quote of the Week
"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change
the world." Robin Williams
It's a Wacky World
I can`t believe it either! Yes, August is drawing to a close. (Sadly, there`s an aspen near my home that started changing colors three weeks ago -it`s a rather annoying outlier). The good news is that September has some wacky and weird theme days to celebrate, including. . .
Mike's next book is coming soon(ish)! But we need feedback to help us choose the best title. Please visit www.MikeKerr.com and vote for your choice (on the lower left side of the home page).
Inspiring Reading
8 insights learned from a great customer service experience Mike had at a winery in B.C. last week: Turning Whine Into Wine
