With the exception of those few lucky breaks in life, what you give will in large part determine what you get. Our education, athletic capabilities, musical talents, and careers all tell us this same thing. What you put in will be returned to you.
Today I was speaking with a good friend and we were both commenting on how we would like to play the guitar better - like a real virtuoso. A thought came to my mind, "You will never be that good unless you put in the practice and have a skilled mentor to train you."
How many Corporate Executives say the same thing regarding their companies - that their company will be a real virtuoso in its field? Here are some examples:
Coca Cola's Vision Statement:
To achieve sustainable growth, we have established a vision with clear goals.
Profit: Maximizing return to shareowners while being mindful of our overall responsibilities.
People: Being a great place to work where people are inspired to be the best they can be.
Portfolio: Bringing to the world a portfolio of beverage brands that anticipate and satisfy peoples' desires and needs.
Partners: Nurturing a winning network of partners and building mutual loyalty.
Planet: Being a responsible global citizen that makes a difference.
GM's Vision Statement
"GM’s vision is to be the world leader in transportation products and related services. We will earn our customers’ enthusiasm through continuous improvement driven by the integrity, teamwork, and innovation of GM people."
Your company probably has something similar to this - "To be the Market Leader..." These vision statements are great but if you don't put anything into them, you will be just like my friend and I with our vision to play the guitar like a virtuoso - or rather, you will be just like GM - on the verge of bankruptcy.
The people at your organization are the key to its very success. You may have great workflow software, an incredible vision, lots of money and even casual Fridays, but if you don't have a culture that puts your people first and helps them to truly succeed, they won't put you first either. If you don't add the value to their careers and their very selves as human beings, you cannot expect them to deliver everything they have to you. They may give you some good work, but they won't give you what only they can. They won't give you their all, their passion, their love for their work and therefore the best they have to give. You can't take their best, it can only be given.
Try to take it, and you will fail. Truly serve them and you won't even need to ask for their commitment and their best - you will already have it. It was the Master who said, "For with what measure ye meet it shall be meted unto you again, packed down and overflowing." Give all you have to them, and let them know you are sincere and you will see it come back 100 fold.
