In defense of their companies, tremendous pressures abound; competition,
stagnating or shrinking markets, overhead considerations, stockholder
expectations. All challenging, but basically external. The issue of engagement,
however, is largely internal. It lies, in large part, with organizations employing twentieth century
people solutions to twenty-first century people.

During the last century, we were captivated by machines, assembly lines and
process. Next, came our fascination with information and technology; numbers,
data, metrics, reports, automation. All controllable, mostly predictable. But, when
it comes to compelling worker engagement and human potential, everything gets
a bit murky. No longer black and white, the grayness of it all can overwhelm.

The reality is, most people know what compels them to care and work hard. It
isn’t rocket science. The companies that understand their people and develop
cultures that support them, will create engaged workers; like the Zappos, SAS
and Southwest Airlines of the world. Companies that don’t, will likely continue to
struggle.

I believe this is the time where a concentrated and focused effort needs to be
afforded the human element. Not at the expense of the other initiatives, but
certainly equal to them. Companies that recognize the value of an engaged and
happy workforce and make the cultural changes to support that result, will reap
the benefits. We are indeed entering a new age…perhaps it’s the age
of human potential.

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Grow Deep Roots.

I woke up Monday morning, early, with this statement ringing in my ears, “Grow Deep Roots.” In fact, it also appeared in my minds eye on a mental billboard exclaiming,”Grow Deep Roots.‚” A sort of multi-media presentation. The whole experience had an etched-in-stone-sent-down-from-the-mount feel about it. Impactful enough, that I began to immediately reflect on the meaning and significance of the statement.
What came through loud and clear, for me, was this idea of full commitment. Deep roots. Living a life comprised of full commitment. Engaging in work based on full commitment. And, continuing to develop and grow in that commitment over time. Ever deeper and stronger.

The idea of growing deep roots feels really powerful to me. Especially in light of the transitory nature of so much of life and work. Change happens fast. Just keeping up with advancements in technology feels like a full time job. Communication is brisk and brief and fleeting. All around us, life is unfolding quickly.

The notion of being fully committed to the important areas of my life feels like the perfect counterweight to the busy-ness and brevity that abound. It feels real and solid and secure. And, so, I will heed that early morning message; mindful of where I commit and the depth to which I do so.

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