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Are You Killing Success?


Throughout my career as a change agent, this quote by Tony Robbins or Henry Ford has been the simplest way to communicate the need to do things differently in order to achieve a different result.

Many of us have had the good fortune to work with organizations that experienced remarkable success. They deservedly take great pride in the results of their blood, sweat and tears. As the years pass sustaining success becomes more challenging, yet some company's continue using the original formula that created their growth.

Have you noticed as organizations grow some develop internal mini-organizations (much like our government) where even the smallest change may be dismissed or met with almost hostile resistance. Many times a great idea for improving employee engagement, service delivery or enhancing revenue, are only shared with  closest friends at happy hour for fear they would be flagged as having a negative attitude. They've witnessed other brave souls share new ideas with management only to see their potentially successful careers go south.

What happens to organizations that discourage creativity and scorn free thinkers?

There is a good chance those employees spirit is killed, passion is dampened and loyalty is lost. They become a 9 to 5 robot. Some choose to stay but with a lower level of engagement, others leave to work with competition, but most concerning is an organizational culture unwilling to listen.

A Ritz Carlton team member shared their Credo card with me years ago. I recall seeing an expectation that all team members continually look for opportunities to improve service delivery, reduce costs and effectively act as good stewards of their hotel.  If a system was broken; report it, if there was a better way to do something, share it. Imagine if your team members felt free and were even rewarded for sharing there ideas. Hmmm...

Perhaps Ritz Carlton understands the power of listening.

I challenge you to embrace these Mavericks, freethinkers, weirdo's, oddball's, and freaks.

If your organization is fortunate enough to have one or more, don't let the normal people kill their spirit and potentially your future.

Rick D Watkins


Accomplished, forward thinking leader with 30 years of success directing all key operational aspects of senior housing




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