Page 199 - How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win

WHAT CHALLENGES INTEREST ME? (PERSONALIZED CONTRIBUTIONS)

reward systems as bonuses and promotions, but the visibility
also comes from immediate feedback and public praise for
doing something well. Small comments and sincere expres-
sions of thanks can make a difference. When a participant
in an executive program in China complimented Dave on
his course, Dave joked that the participant should tell Dave’s
mother. Dave was surprised and pleased when a week later
his mom told him she had received a call from someone in
China who had been in his course and wanted to thank her
for her son’s work. Visibility, recognition, praise, and positive
feedback allow leaders to communicate gratitude to employ-
ees for their work.
Just as soldiers in the heat of battle think more about sav-
ing their friend than saving their country, workers who feel
valued and appreciated by those they work with are more
engaged even if their jobs seem relatively detached from
their broadest values. When leaders structure positions,
match people to positions, design management processes,
and communicate broadly about innovation, autonomy,
opportunity, and visibility, employees can tune in to ways
that their work matters to both the world at large and to the
individuals they work with.

Work Condition 4: When Do I Work?

Dave and Wendy each have pioneer ancestors who crossed
oceans and continents to colonize a new land. In today’s
work world, pioneer boundaries are less about space and
more about time. Time has often become people’s scarcest
resource and most valued asset, and many companies today
are pioneers in its use. How we spend our time communi-
cates our values and priorities.

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