Intentions from Pat Swan

Sometimes, while perusing an organization's website, I will come across a statement emphasizing the importance of the company's employees. Or I may hear managers, or others in an organization, verbalize the philosophy, "Our people are our most valuable asset". This is a popular position these days. Much has been written on the topic, and many believe it is true.

After I get to know a bit more about the particular organization and its management practices, I sometimes wonder exactly what they really mean by this phrase. There often appears to be quite a gap between employee experience and management experience, in that regard. Have individual managers and owners thought through this philosophy? Do they believe it? How do they put it into practice? Do employees feel valued?

Sometimes I can't help wondering if some in management view valuable employees, like they view valuable racehorses in the final lap…the harder you whip them, the faster they go! This may work for horses, but it doesn't do much to motivate an employee to achieve excellence.

Bill Catlette and Richard Hadden share concrete statistics in their hard-hitting book, Contented Cows Give Better Milk. Their facts, drawn from successful fortune 500 companies, confirm their assertion that if you treat people right, you will make more money.

They contend that each employee has a certain level of personal capability and that most give the minimum requirements. The difference involves how much "discretionary effort" an employee chooses to give to the company, over and above minimum requirements. This extra effort makes all the difference. Discretionary effort determines success or failure; average profits, or superior profits.

Different personalities may debate the meaning of "treating people right". But the first step in the process is to understand that we have four different personalities in the work force, both as employees and managers. Each will answer that question differently. Some appreciate financial rewards, but not all. Many much prefer to be treated with respect and concern. A smile and a word of appreciation goes a long way. Still others just want to get their job done and have time off to pursue their hobbies. Understanding these differences, respecting them, applying them, and crafting an appropriate culture for all, is the challenge. Learning how to motivate and empower employees, to give discretionary effort, is good management. It makes sense.

Learning about personality and applying what one has learned is not difficult, though it more easily to some than others. Understanding differences in personality is the foundation for many training approaches. Everyone benefits from this information, whether owner, manager, or valuable employee.

Find a program that is simple, easy to remember and apply, and enjoyable. Put it to use. Identify individual management and employee strengths, as well as their Achilles heels. Encourage both employees and management to develop a program that will result in greater satisfaction and success, personally and professionally. Motivated, satisfied, and successful employees, lead to successful organizations, and greater profits.

Personal Intentions for the month of April

The personality trait or Achilles Heel that most interferes with my success is: ___________________________________________________

This trait impacts my work performance by: ______________________

This trait impacts my personal success by: _______________________

This trait particularly interferes with: _____________________________

When I overcome this Achilles heel I will be able to: _________________

This will improve my health and well being by: ____________________

This will improve my performance at work by: _____________________

The person most impacted by this change will be: _________________

The learned strength that will replace and help me overcome this Achilles heel is: _______________________________________________________

For the next seven days I will focus on developing this learned strength. Every day, I intend to practice one of the following:

1. ____________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________________

4. ____________________________________________________________

5. ____________________________________________________________

Get a year's worth of Intentions, in full color, with attractive pictures and workbook, hard copy or CD, at www.patswan.com.

Personality and Profitability

Personal Intentions for the month of April