The ONE Thing That Can Change Everything…

By Patrick Ensign

What do you want most for your business, your family…and you? How do all of these wants align with the actual work you do and the decisions you are making for your company?

Asking yourself these questions is the first step to gaining clarity. When you have clarity about what you are working towards, you are able to both prioritize and naturally align with those life/business practices that are effective in achieving your goal.

Whether you are a business owner, leader or professional at any level, you have heard the stats by Forbes:

  • 40% of people are planning on switching jobs next year.
  • 69% of employees are searching for a new position while on the clock with your organization.

Does it sound like these employees are effectively serving customers, crushing company goals, or engaged in the organization’s culture? Seeing that people are the single greatest factor in the success or decline of an organization, it would seem there is a big problem.

Understanding Why

You could ask your employees what isn’t working for them through engagement surveys and 1-on-1’s, but it’s common knowledge that, even though anonymous, employees tend to bend the truth one way or another when uncomfortable.

However, the truth is that they are often very aware of their negative impact on productivity. Unfortunately, if they have already disengaged, you may not know until it’s too late. If the employee doesn’t feel like a valued member of the organization, they will never put in the effort to align with your goals.

Today’s Employee Is Looking for More Than a Paycheck

They are looking to work for companies that align with their personal mission or at least one that shows a level of respect for things that really matter to them.

Employees want to be more than a number, a score, or everyone’s favorite – an asset. They want to be Cindy who loves dogs and can close even the most difficult of deals. They want to be Tom who is rooted in tradition, but always willing to learn something new if it helps his client… they want to be valued for being real people rather than just an employee.

So how does that happen?

Putting People First

It starts with you. You have to want to build or be a part of an organization that values people. You have to place emphasis on the needs of individuals who have the power to elevate your success. You have to put effort into meeting not only the basic needs of your people but cultivating an environment where they can individually blossom. You have to want to put people first.

It won’t always be easy, but the benefit will outweigh the effort. Lucky for you, there are products and tools to unlock this “people first” concept in your organization.

These tools have the power to:

  • Improve communication
  • Reduce workplace conflict
  • Identify the emotional impact
  • And uncover hidden skills

Also, you are not alone. There is an entire movement of people first individuals and organizations who are working toward creating working environments and cultures that support these ideas.

Joining the People First Movement

Now is the time to align with a network of like-minded professionals. Take the first step in putting people first. Attend the TTISI R3 Conference, the hub of the people first movement, for a one and a half-day gathering. Learn the tools and hear from speakers, trainers and coaches from across the country who have successfully implemented people first into their organizations.

Visit r3.ttisi.com and start 2020 on the right foot. Let’s evolve your organization with a people first focus January 16-17th, 2020 at the beautiful JW Marriott in Scottsdale, AZ.

This blog originally appeared on blog.ttisi.com