“Employees who aren’t invested in your organization’s future usually won’t go out of their way to give pointers to the new hire or proofread a colleague’s report, for example,” says Harvey. “If that’s the case in your company, we suggest that you start cultivating more team spirit by starting with new employees. Match them up with more experienced mentors who can advise, teach, challenge, and encourage them. The rookie will appreciate the personalized guidance and will be encouraged to form meaningful bonds with his or her colleagues right out of the gate. Plus, all but the most cynical veterans will soften when they see how fulfilling it can be to pass on their knowledge and expertise!”
Strategic partners don’t want to work with your company. If vendors, suppliers, bankers, and other third parties consistently fail to renew their contracts, your company’s mood may need a major adjustment. That’s because employees who aren’t invested in your company’s future are much more likely to treat these partners with a lack of respect, to withhold information and tell white lies, and to be slow to respond.
“Fortunately, it often takes only one leader (that’s you!) to break this pattern by setting a better example,” Houlihan promises. “Show your employees the difference it makes when you treat partners in a way that honors the relationship. For instance, treat salespeople with respect instead of dismissing them. Never have a ‘that’s just another salesperson’ attitude. Take their calls. Hear them out. When you treat third parties as valuable allies who can significantly influence your bottom line—or help you survive!—they often will. And that’s good for the morale of everyone involved.”
“Mood matters,” concludes Harvey. “Cultivating a good mood in your organization is the key to unleashing a transformative entrepreneurial spirit in your people.”
“If you’re not sure where to begin, go for the low-hanging fruit,” Houlihan advises. “Reread the list of bad mood indicators above, identify which one or two are the biggest inhibitors to progress in your company, and start there.”
Source: www.TheBarefootSpirit.com
