by Gregory Neil on August 27, 2010
Any time you think for yourself, your boss finds some way of letting you know that’s not really what you were hired for.
Your efforts are rewarded when you follow the rules, and criticized when you get a creative urge to contribute to the company.
You’re kept un-informed as to the long term plans and vision of the business, and managed to “just stick to doing your job.”
When you felt like you really got the job done and were expecting acknowledgement, instead you got criticism and feedback on how to improve and do a better job.
You know there is a GPS tracking devise on your vehicle, your time is monitored daily, and your emails are being checked.
Would you feel trusted? Empowered?
by Gregory Neil on August 18, 2010
Initiative’s reward is the work itself.
Compliance works only for the reward.
Initiative thinks, then acts.
Compliance acts, then (maybe) thinks, then regrets.
Initiative creates plans and actions as needed.
Compliance copies the actions of others.
Initiative seeks to empower others.
Compliance uses resources to protect his/her own position.
Initiative risks committing and stands by it.
Compliance avoids the risk of commitment for fear of not looking good.
Initiative inspires good work in others.
Compliance demands work in others through control and fear.
Initiative learns from mistakes.
Compliance avoids mistakes at all costs.
Think about it: Didn’t every positive achievement in your business come from either yours or someone else’s initiative?
You have a choice. Fill your company with more compliant, less expensive people, or you can staff up with people who have stronger leadership. They might cost a bit more, but which gives you better ROI and peace of mind?
Invitation to action: Look at your organizational chart right now. Beside each person’s name, put a C or an I to indicate where you think their motivation comes from. Get an instant snap-shot of how your company is currently being run and driven, and determine where you want to begin to have more Initiative to show up.
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