Prior to my career helping businesses and individuals Maximize the Human Potential, I spent my days managing engineering projects for a large company. Working with engineers offered a unique challenging to find engaged and motivated employees. Most (not all) engineers tend to be introverted and prefer to be left alone “to do their job.” The trouble is creativity flows when people collaborate. In an ever-competitive industry we were always being challenged to “do more with less” to keep cost down under control. This week I am going to talk about this unique situation and be sure to check out the challenge below that can change your life and your business for the better! Thank you for reading, and have a great Thanksgiving!
Your Secret Weapon!
The true discriminator between one company and another is the employees. Two companies in the same industry in the same geographical area have the same access to talent. They have the same access to customers, and to marketing. In fact, they can take advantage of the same resources… and still yield different results.
Sure, each company will have a different system, maybe a proprietary blend of processes and systems that make them unique, but without someone executing those processes and systems, nothing can happen. Actually, nothing in a company happens without human intervention. You can automate processes and procedures, but a human being has to be there at some level. People and culture make the difference in a company.
What is Culture?
A culture is really a set of habits that any given group has. There are family cultures, which we may refer to as traditions. There are societal cultures. Your school, workplace, community, church all have cultures associated with them. You can go from one school to another and see differences in cultures. People dictate the culture, and without people, there is no culture.
Do More with Less!
Last week I started on a similar topic with process improvements. We understand the importance of doing more with less. This helps keep cost down, gets products to market faster and improves profits. Sounds great, right?
The trouble is, most people get stuck in their habits. So, when they are being asked to do more with less, they work harder but keep doing their job the same way! This is a lose-lose situation. In this scenario people work harder, maybe even longer hours to get the same results! If someone does the same thing over and over again, it is only logical that they’ll get the same results. And, if you do that one thing harder, or with more energy, you just get the same result faster! In the end you have the same product, and burned out employees.
Why This Fails
People are creatures of habit, so when they have a job to do they go about it the same way every time. The longer someone has been doing something, the more ingrained the habit. If someone is successful in sales, they most likely have a pattern to their sales call. They are comfortable and familiar with that system, and probably get a certain amount of success.
However, people’s buying habits have changed over the last 20 years and even over the last 10 years. Let’s say someone is in the market to purchase a car. You can’t sell a car the same way you did 20 years ago. Today if someone goes onto a car lot they already know what the car is worth. If they don’t, they can pull out their phone. With a few swipes, they can be looking at the same car from dozens of dealers. The way to sell cars 20 years ago and now are completely different. So, if a sales person wants to be successful in today’s competitive market, they must adapt to these new ways of selling.
There Has to Be a Better Way!
Business leaders know that an engaged workforce drives productivity, creativity, and profits. In a scenario where the employees are engaged, they are being creative. Creative employees will they help drive the changes necessary to “do more with less”. This is important, because people resist being changed. However, if the change their idea, and a product of their own creativity, then they are more willing and likely to change.
Management telling an employee they have to do more with less kills morale. Creating a culture where the employees are creative and naturally looking for self-improvement boosts morale…and results! This is where employees are empowered to be creative. They will find satisfaction because they are learning and growing. Do you want to do more with less? In other words, do you want to improve efficiency organically? Then create a culture of self-improvement through empowerment!
The Challenge
This week focus attention on creating an engaged workforce drives productivity, creativity, and profits. Have your team identify an area that can be changed, and empower them to make the change. The creativity and improvement may help you rise above your competition!
Do you want help creating an engaged workforce that drives productivity, creativity, and profits?
Click the link below and Let’s Continue the Conversation!
Shaffer Ingenuity can help you find what really drives you and provide you the tools to achieve those goals!
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Upcoming Events
Coming in December!
I am offering three (3) weekly webinars, based on my book Maximizing the Human Potential. You will learn how to create YOUR vision, steps for creating the success YOU desire, and how to overcome the doubt that holds you back! These are made available so that you can take immediate action to get the results you are looking for. Additional information can be found on my website, or contact me today to join immediately.
Do you have a corporate training event, know of any group that may benefit from learning about the true secret to goal setting and achieving? Please contact me about talking to your group or corporate event!
I’m ready for a change!
Publication1
Now Available
My book Maximizing the Human Potential is available on Amazon. Make sure to pick up your copy!
Order the book behind the RESULTS!
Quote of the Week
“No company, small or large, can win over the long run without energized employees who believe in the mission and understand how to achieve it.”
-Jack Welch
Learn More
I am always looking for opportunities to share some inspiration with others. If your company or club is looking for a guest speaker for a meeting, workshop or other event, I welcome the referral.
To learn more about any of our services from speaking engagements to personal and professional development training please visit my website.
To learn about the Thinking Into Results program for corporate leadership and peak performance or personal transformation, please contact me or visit my TIR website.
Kind regards,
Andrew Shaffer,
Shaffer Ingenuity