The Wizard of Biz
There are two phenomena which both vex and fascinate me. The first has to do with perception—how our perceptions of both ourselves and others can vary so dramatically depending on environment. The second dovetails off the first, but concerns the myopic focus that many companies place on revenue generation and profitability above all else…including people.
Beginning with phenomenon one: All of us move from environment to environment through the course of our day. Depending where we are, we likely view ourselves and others differently. If we are at a coffee shop, our perception may be one way. If we are at a community function or at the grocery store, it may be another. So it continues in our home, with friends, with family, at the gym or in a place of worship.
Depending on the environment, our perception of ourselves and those around us will vary to some degree.
As you consider the varied environments you inhabit…home, community, nature, church, a friend or family members home…pay attention to your perception of yourself and the other people in those places. How do you feel when you are there? How do you feel about others when you are there? Next, turn to your workplace. What kinds of perceptions of yourself and others are happening at work? And, how do these perceptions affect you and your behavior?
For many of us, the workplace evokes a singular quality. Our perceptions at work can be quite different from the perception we experience in the other environments in our lives.
We tend to behave and view the world differently at work.
With that our perception of self and others is also affected. Likely, this is a big part of the distinction that we convey through language when we refer to “work and life.” The two worlds simply feel different.
I believe that this difference or schism is primarily due to the level of value associated with human beings and their contribution in the workplace.
We have not yet deeply integrated human value into much of our work world.
And, one of the primary reasons for this is the accepted ritual of honoring the value of money and money generation over that of human value. It’s upside down and most of us know it. Money and money generation is vital and commendable. However, it is the result of something. That something, more often than not, is the work force and their action. To honor the result and not that which has created it, is both shortsighted and un-evolved.
The fact that this distortion continues baffles me. I’m reminded of the Wizard of Oz and the simple act of drawing back a curtain to see the truth. Here’s the truth.
Human beings are the value.
Money is the result of human beings doing good and great work. That’s the order. Anything else is make-believe.
As a leader, where do you place the greater value…on your people or your revenue? Placing your people and their contribution in the number one slot, will effectively raise the value of everything else…revenue, profitability, new business acquisition, customer loyalty and job satisfaction.
Focusing on your people first is not simply forward-thinking, it’s just plain smart. Schedule a Needs Discovery Conversation with us to learn more.
It’s your call. Schedule here.