Generally speaking, people want to not only do good but also excel. They just need that motivation to do so.
Successful leadership is all about facilitating that natural desire within individuals and teams to do well.
I will share a personal experience.
It was the year of 1992 and I one of the proud owners of our family's rather large manufacturing business.
I recall, the head of engineering Mr. V and I had just reviewed his attractive suggestion and detailed proposal to save our company a great deal of money while also improving quality.
I gazed at this soft spoken man with amazement and respect and asked Mr.V
"We are lucky to have you on our team. I am sure you must have saved your previous employer a lot of money and problems?"
He replied "Sir, not even a single rupee, in spite of working there for many years."
"Why?" I asked incredulously.
He said, "I once presented my boss with a proposal which would have done wonders for the organisation, but he refused to even listen. It was the first and last time I ever made a suggestion to my bosses, until I joined you"
When I raised an eyebrow in disbelief, he added that his dismissive boss insultingly told him,
"If I want your opinion, I will give it to you."
Maybe, its just a coincidence, but a few years later the previous employer of Mr. V went out of business.
Guru Wonder:
Ref: G0472
