I often ask people in my seminars, “Do you believe that most of your employees have more talent, resourcefulness, creativity and initiative than their current jobs require or allow?” Frequently, I see hands rising all over the room. Do you agree that we are wasting much of our human resource talent? Do you believe you have the ability to harness those talents?
At the same time, do you agree that we ask our employees to do more and more with less and less? It seems we are burning them out to the point that their resourcefulness, creativity, talent, and initiative are diminished. We stress people out with redundant, meaningless tedium and busy work, yet many of their strengths go untapped. But, effective leaders embrace each of their employees’ unique strengths, gifts and passions. This, in turn, improves their employees’ performance, productivity…and happiness!
Effective, servant leaders know that, to develop each individual’s capability and productivity, you must tap into the whole person–body, heart, mind and soul. You must attend to all of these dimensions. For physical well-being, the person needs to be paid fairly. She needs to meet her most basic survival needs like working in a safe, healthy, secure setting. To be well-served in the heart, one must feel enthusiasm, harmony, passion, and support at work. To engage the mind, leaders need to allow employees to use their creativity, innovativeness, skills, and knowledge. And, to engage their soul, you need to discover where each employee finds meaning, value, and purpose. Get to know your employees thoroughly by learning what motivates them in all of these areas. After all, how can you motivate someone without fully understanding them?
I’ve learned a lot from my work with Native Americans. One of the most critical lessons I’ve learned is the importance of balance and holistic health. For example, many Native American tribes use the medicine wheel, a round symbol that represents the circle of life. What I like about the medicine wheel is that the four segments of the circle symbolize (among other things), the four directions, the four seasons, and the four elements of our being–heart, mind, body, and soul. For us to have balance and harmony, we must nurture all four of these elements.
One exercise I do with my leadership training participants is the “Whole Person Inventory”. This is where you ask your employees questions regarding each dimension.
- In the Heart (Emotional) area: What are you passionate about? Do you love what you’re doing here?
- In the Mind (Mental) dimension: Where are you most knowledgeable, innovative, and competent? Are you using those competencies here?
- In the Body (Physical) realm: Are you financially secure? Do you feel safe here?
- In the area of Soul (Spiritual): What would make your work most meaningful to you? Is your work consistent with your values? Does your contribution here fit with your sense of purpose or direction? Does your work give you a sense of integrity?
This information is crucial to your role as a servant leader. Sure, a person’s resume may showcase their knowledge, skills, and abilities as it relates to the job description. But, unless you ask each of your employees the above questions, do you really understand their true knowledge, skills, and abilities; their untapped energy and enthusiasm; and, the special, unexpected ways they may contribute to your organization? By asking these powerful questions, you reveal the unique motivators of each of your team members. Answering these questions will help you find the best match for your employees to their role at your organization. It can give them not just the opportunity to do what they do best, but also to do what makes them most happy. Employees want a job with meaning. They want to be part of something that inspires them and empowers them.
The best way to unleash the talent of your employees is to listen as they answer the above questions. What are they passionate about? What are they good at? Nurture them in each area. Invest in your employees’ well-being in all four aspects. And, help them build their capabilities in all dimensions. This will get you long-term results. Now, that’s servant leadership, wouldn’t you agree?
Again, I hope this was helpful. Please comment if you agree, disagree, or have an important point to add! Let me know what you think. Find out more about my leadership coaching and training programs designed to help you develop you or your organization. Check out my website: www.AdvantEdgeSuccessCoaching.com
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