It's interesting to look at job ads and what they say about a business. Most ads lead with the role description, the tasks and what the remuneration opportunity is. Yet most people are looking for something else.
When a business leads with other criteria - such as vision, purpose, community, culture and personal growth - they will have a greater chance of attracting the best people as they understand that business starts with connection as opposed to tasks.
Vision and purpose
People want to know that a business has a direction as it not only gives them a focal point for which to collectively work towards but also gives them fulfilment in knowing that they are making a difference in the world. It’s this meaning, fulfilment and structure that helps keep people on track and productive.
When a person can see that they are in service to others they tend to let go of the small 'I' and work more collectively as part of the 'we'. When people can see that they are part of a team that is working for a collective good they bring more of their energy and insights to a business, which ultimately helps a business grow faster and with more fun and fewer distractions.
Community and culture
One of the fundamental needs for people is connection. When we are connected we then are more open to sharing what is really going on for us and more in tune with what we need to do to learn and grow.
When we have community and cultural agreements that foster this connection we take more responsibility for our actions which ultimately removes the blame and deflection actions that can hold a business back.
Personal growth
When we create a brand or work with a brand, as creative beings we want to be challenged to solve problems. We want to innovate the way we do things, which ultimately gives us satisfaction.
When we are taught how to solve problems and given the space to solve the bigger problems of business growth, collectively we grow.
By giving space for problem-solving and a framework for people to personally grow, we ignite people's personal assets allowing them to bring their true value to a business. True value is not just about the performance of a task, it is the energy and flow that makes everyone unique.
Remuneration
Money is energy and is a critical component of every business and every role. Money however is the outcome of transferring value to a business. In order to have the money flow, we need to contribute first, to give in order to receive.
If however we give out and don't receive the energy back then over time the energy output will start to waver.
The key for a business is to provide the opportunity for people to contribute and then have the opportunity to receive.
Money of course is not the only aspect of energy return. I like to reference the 5 Love Languages (Dr G. Chapman, 1992) as a way of describing how energy can be returned.
In business, we can use 4 of the 5 love languages being words of encouragement and affirmation, acts of service, gifts and quality time.
When a business has the right balance and flow of energy then the energy continually expands which in turn helps a business grow and prosper.
When a business and brand can offer all four criteria (vision and purpose, community and culture, personal growth and remuneration) they will be able to attract and retain the best people. When they have these people aligned and fully energised to participate in the growth of a business then growth comes with ease and grace.
Tim Dwyer is a business growth expert specialising in helping businesses strategically grow their assets, increase their business value, and improve their capabilities.
