I typically do not watch much television. I tend to get impatient with the amount of time devoted to commercials and I enjoy reading. This leaves me a little out of touch at times but for the most part it’s OK.
My reality check comes when I work out at the gym three times a week. There the cardio machine happens to be positioned in front of a television screen tuned to a “news” station.
As a result, I am regularly reminded of how negative and afraid a large number of people in this country have seemingly become. Back and forth goes the battle.
It seems the focus is on one of two negative directions.
What has gone wrong or what stupid thing did which idiotic leader say or do today? The part that is so astounding to me is that this program and others like it are the most-watched programs.
So, you say, “Why am I reading this?” What has it got to do with my being a good leader, committed to living a good life?
If this is how people in this country choose to focus their energy, even during their time away from work, there is an impact on the workplace.
People focused on fear, pain and negativity will not be the people who take the risks or have the energy necessary to create new solutions. It is difficult for them to look forward to more wonderful times in the future.
If people cannot envision success and a better life, they will not be very invested in putting out the energy it takes to create that better life.
It is time for those of us in business to begin to focus on how we develop a powerful atmosphere in the workplace.
People need an atmosphere that not only counteracts what they are being bombarded with from the outside—they need an environment that helps them experience the good feelings that are possible when they clearly envision growth and constructive change. People will work together and produce great things when they feel what they are doing is important, useful and leads to something better.
Smart business people will pay more attention to their internal business environments than ever because they know people who focus on what’s wrong and how bad things are, are not nearly as productive as they could be.
In addition, as this recession veil lifts, good people working in a negative environment will look for one that is focused on making the world a better place and encourages them to be all they can be.
If you think these are challenging times for business, just wait until the really good people, who have been willing to put up with the status quo in tight times, start jumping ship.
There is no reason to be caught in this situation.
Quite the contrary: If you have a willingness to take a dispassionate look at what your business is like for the people inside it now and make changes for the better, you can be more successful than ever.
Here are some diagnostic questions for you to think about:
- What is my focus? What do I read and what do I watch on T.V.?
- What do I believe? What do I say to others that conveys what I really believe?
- Am I happy?
- Am I a part of the larger problem? You cannot lead into a future you have not totally embodied.
- What is our company vision? Is it inextricably tied to making the world a better place?
- How committed are our people to our vision?
- Do I know what the people reporting to me value? How do I know that?
- Are our people excited to come to work in the morning?
- Do our people know how important they are?
- What does the behavior of key people in the organization say about what is really important?
This is a critical time for all of us.
We clearly choose how we will focus every moment of every day, which determines how successful our life can be. People want to follow optimistic leaders who demonstrate making the world a better place by everything they do every moment of every day.
Note: If you are concerned about success in hiring, contact me by phone at 602-357-4399 or by e-mail at ken@positiveoptions.net