PEOPLE MATTER MOST
Years ago I was counseled by an executive that people really don’t matter. He said it is like when you stick your hand in water and then pull it out. The water is the same as before. His belief was that the hand entering and exiting the water made no difference. He felt the same about people. In his world people were dispensable and easily replaced. Sadly, he practiced this philosophy and it ultimately led to his company’s failure. I did not believe it then nor do I believe it now. People do matter and indeed are what ultimately determines the success or failure of any organization.There is no doubt that certain positions in a company are more easily replaced than others. However, a philosophy that minimizes the role of any individual is inherently flawed. People know when they are appreciated and respected. When any aren’t the entire organization suffers. It’s never a good idea to draw a line between which associates to value and which to not. All should know that they are needed and that their efforts matter. Regardless of their responsibilities or their pay they are there for a reason. The leadership team should make it clear that an employee who excels at their job and embraces the organization’s culture has its respect and appreciation.
Assembling a strong team of people starts with the kind of culture the leader inculcates. Great people want to be heard, empowered, trusted, challenged, supported and respected. Personal growth and the opportunity to make a difference motivate them. Leaders who coach, counsel and genuinely care about their people will find themselves surrounded with a really terrific group of people. A culture that offers this to its adherents will secure the best of the best. There is no stronger foundation upon which to build a company.
How does one find such talent? It is amazing how fast word travels when a company treats their employees with respect and provides opportunities for growth. People actively pursue these companies. Also, recruiting becomes easier when a company has a positive reputation in this regard. Moreover, these companies are often willing to pay more since they understand the impact these people can make. It is a wise investment to pay a bit more for top notch people.
Every company’s ultimate success or failure is a function of its people. Brand is important, legacy matters, financial strength is valuable, market niche is critical but people are at the root of each. It takes great people to create great companies and it takes great people to constantly reinvent them. Resting on what once was is not the path to continued success. No matter where a company is in its life cycle, people matter. So many once great companies have died a slow death because of poor leadership that resulted in the loss of its best people.
There is never a time when people don’t matter. A company that values its employees above all else is a company that can compete in today’s unforgiving environment. Many variables affect an organization’s ultimate level of success but none is as important as the overall quality of its people.
Furniture Rep commented:
What terrific advice you give. Every single worker is a necessary and vital part of any organizations success. Some bright executives know that. Some even understand the importance of telling an employee how much he or she is appreciated. I have a top 50 retailer (owner) with whom I have a career long relationship. Whenever we visit his warehouse together, I know that I need to plan on spending a great deal of time there. Employees will stop, walk over and shake hands with the boss. Many times the boss will go out of his way to say hello to someone, always asking about his wife, family or other issue of interest to the employee. A little recognition goes a long way. You can see it on their faces, in their eyes, and in there job performance. You are that kind of guy Eric. I know, I worked for you.
John commented:
What a refreshing article. History teaches us about the companies where every employee was empowered. These companies go on to greatness. They will be studied for years in business classes for their success. Recently you read about companies that care only about a few at the top and their greed has destroyed their company and industry. These too will be studied as to what went wrong.
Stephan commented:
Lets say, you're at the job each day on time, do your work, and don't fell appriciate. Where it comes form: it's always simple things: An Happy birthday card forgot; A simple Bonjour, Have a good day. With People, lots of simple things matters! Its sad to see so many executives to forgot those things.
Sum King Wong commented:
Why do furniture companies recycle executives that have poor track records and poor relationship skills with their co-workers? Yeow, what Tom Foolery!
Million Dollar Club commented:
Sadly to say bad executives get recycled like garbage. I have seen that Tomcat before maybe somebody will put him out to pasture or a speeding car!
Onedumbguy commented:
Why is it that there are just a few in management that realize the essence of a company in not just its product but its people! From the CEO to the delivery team and every department in between. Some executives have that know that. Ron Hahn is one of those that has been successful over the years because not only is he bright, he also surrounds himself with excellent people who want to be with his company. The demise of Stanton International is the opposite case. Executives stymied their people and ravaged the product. Yeow, what Tom foolery!
