As we all navigate through both business and personal lives that demand tight schedules and deadlines, it is normal to seek consistency and control of those things and people who reduce our stress and concerns.
Human beings are indeed interesting creatures. We seek predictability in a world that is fraught with unpredictability. There was a time in my business life when I expected planes to fly on time. Now, some 40 years later I know better. Instead of getting uptight as I did in the past, I take a deep breath when my flight is delayed. I make some business calls, send emails and get my shoes shined, which always makes me feel much better. There is something magical about wearing a shined pair of shoes!
We go through our daily routines chasing consistency, whether it be the route we drive to work, our parking spot at work or our plans for lunch. We live in a world that moves fast. You clear your emails before going to bed, but wake up in the morning greeted by 100 or more unread emails. Society today consists of fast drivers, fast food, fast talkers, fast texters and people with fast tempers (road rage!).
Is it any wonder that we seek and, in fact, cry out for consistency?
We take it for granted that our family will be there for us at the end of the day. We take it for granted that family and friends will remember our birthdays (of course, there is a danger here.) At dinner, we listen to our loved ones with one eye and ear to them and one eye and ear on our “smartphones.” What is wrong with this picture?
The reality of life is that we all cry out and seek acceptance. Employees require approval from those they respect. Clearly, approval is a key component of one’s self esteem.
The opposite of taking people for granted is to pay full attention to them, to accept them as they are at that moment, to allow them to be who they are, and to appreciate the total person. In essence, it is an unconditional "Yes, I value you!"
According to Nielsen, during May 2011, Americans spent a combined total of 53.5 billion minutes on Facebook alone. The operative word here is “ALONE.”
As leaders, we have associates who we depend on each day. There is a group of employees who are like money in the bank. They never miss a deadline, and their work and analysis are both accurate and timely. These special people are achievers, self-motivated and require little leadership guidance. Thus, as leaders, we tend to spend little time with this group.
The second group of associates frequently meets assignment deadlines. However, they miss on occasion, and may ask more questions and need a leader who follows up with them in order to keep them on track. We enjoy working with these associates, but from time to time they cause us angst.
The third group of employees keeps us up at night. We are never quite sure what their performance will be. His or her report may be brilliant and on time, or it could require a total re-write or a major revision. This group is perhaps capable, but not always dependable. As a leader, it is our job to discovery the root cause.
Given the fact that leaders today suffer from an illness called “not enough time,” they spend more time with employees who need coaching, direction and monitoring.
Thus the dilemma: The so-called superstar employees get less face time and may feel they are being taken for granted. No human being wants to be taken for granted and not appreciated.
Engaged employees view their work with high energy, commitment and dedication. They are the organization’s present and future.
All of us need attention and leadership that is aware of our efforts and contributions. Positive face time with the boss is stimulating, rewarding and engaging. Your best and brightest deserve your time and attentiveness. High potential employees seek and thrive on challenges, so give it to them!
Step back for a moment and think about your skilled employees and contemplate how difficult it would be to replace them. If this thought concerns you, then find time for your best employees now! Meet with your staff regularly, develop career growth plans for them, empower them to do more, trust them, mentor them and recognize their full potential. The beauty of life is meaningful human connections.
But never take them for granted!
