Where do you Work?

During the holiday season, many of us may have found ourselves at a holiday party with people you may not know very well. During those parties it is common to ask someone about what they do and where they work. Sound familiar? How people answer is a major insight into how engaged they are in their careers, and how they feel about the company. Does your team work at your company or for your company?

I Work at …

I often hear people answer the questions starting with I work at some company. I’ve most likely answered the question before using the same language and never really gave much thought to the words I chose. But the more I observe and study, the more I realize this choice of words matters. When you work at a place, it is a place you go to… well, work. You go in, do what is expected and you leave. The company in this instance is a place, and there really isn’t much of an emotional attachment to the place.

I Work for…

However, when I hear someone say I work for a company, that sparks an entirely different picture in my mind. When someone works for a company, they present themselves as someone who cares about the company. I admit none of this is usually conscious, but words matter. I’m going to use an example of the difference.

Think of a time when you were working for something. While you were getting through college, you were working for a future career. Perhaps when you spent time at your favorite charity organization, you were working for a cause. Even if you were working over time to put away a little extra cash for your kid’s college fund. When you work for something (even a company) you are working for a purpose. This implies an entirely new level of commitment.

What’s the Difference?

When your team is working for your company, they are working for a purpose or a cause. They believe in the mission, the goals, and the purpose of the organization. When they believe in the cause, they will be more inspired, motivated, creative, and productive. It is no secret that those are the characteristics of a well-functioning, SUCCESSFUL team! Work isn’t work at this point, it is a journey towards a goal. Everyday your team will arrive ready to make a difference, and to support whatever product or service your company provides. When people are working for something larger than themselves they are more engaged and emotionally involved in their work. You win and they win!

This Week’s Challenge

This week’s challenge will set you up for success in the new year, and should continue long past the first week. Your team has been put together so your company can provide a good or service that people need or want. Your challenge is to get everyone on your team to understand how their job is important, and how it benefits the end customer. It doesn’t matter if they are a sales person, marketing, manufacturing, or administrative. Everyone contributes to a better experience for employees and customers. Focus on getting people to work for your team/company goals instead of just working at your company. When you do, the results will surprise you!

Do you want help creating a team of people work for you?

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Shaffer Ingenuity can help you find what really drives you and provide you the tools to achieve those goals!