The present workplace environment is fraught with fears and envy, egos competing for validation and attention, managers disempowering employees, co-workers hurting and sabotaging one another, and most insidious of all, an underlying fear permeating the atmosphere with insecurity and indecision.
Do you think this is an exaggeration? It is not. The pressure resulting from the high demands in an ever-competitive business environment can be seen in the faces and heard in the words of employees on any given day in any business. The pain and high levels of stress are reflected in numerous national and international studies of employee satisfaction, employee engagement, loyalty, and retention. The work environment has never been more combative and filled with emotional turbulence. It is almost amazing that any work is accomplished, considering all the distractions. I am going to suggest that most business productivity and achievement is motivated by fear rather than inspiration.
Suspend your judgment and consider the possibilities for new levels of business success and advancement if we had an environment of compassion, respect, and freedom. Instead of wasting energy and time with negative emotions, individuals could contribute from their full potential with eagerness and enthusiasm.
More than ever before, businesses and organizations need the energy and synergism that comes from good relationships, teamwork, creativity, and productivity among leaders and employees. Developing the potential of everyone, and allowing their full expression and talent in the roles that they play, is essential for a company’s success. To rise above the clamor in such a declining market, and to navigate during the lean times, companies must understand the power of honor, respect, and group engagement. Enlightened leaders who recognize that they must release the powerful energy and intelligence of the people in their organizations will build extraordinary workplaces and achieve high levels of business success. But in reality, most leaders do not maximize performance, and instead unwittingly deplete the energy of those they need to drive their financial goals.
