How to Inspire Employees to Give 110 Percent Effort

In many areas of the world, cold weather is upon us, driving some animals underground. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, most toads, frogs, snakes, skunks, rodents, and bears go torpid. Their metabolism slows down and their body temperature drops. So less energy needs at a time when food becomes scarce.

If you are thinking this is a good time for you to go underground and conserve energy for the upcoming year. Think again.  You should be in the midst of developing your 2018 business plans. Both externally (what you will accomplish in the marketplace) and internally (what you will accomplish in your culture).

Creating an internal strategy may be a new concept to you, but I can assure you that it is as important as your external business plan.  Why?  Because your people are going to make or break your 2018 business results.

Think about it, every one of your employees goes to work every day and has two choices: give 110% or do what they have to do to get by.  If the vast majority of your people give 110%, your business results will soar.  How do you get employees to be “all in,” or in other words, engaged?  By creating an extraordinary culture where: people’s values are aligned with the organization’s, people are doing meaningful work. People have a voice that is heard and respected, and people are acknowledged and appreciate for their efforts.

WHAT CAN I DO?  It starts with getting your managers on the same page and enabling them to see that Human Resources does not own culture change.   It’s the responsibility of every leader and manager in your organization to create an amazing workplace that enables people to thrive, soar and excel, so your customers and your results can follow suit.  Need help?  Call me.  I know this lane and will not stop until we realize measurable results.

Jill Christensen is an employee engagement expert, best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. She is a 2017 Top 100 Global Employee Engagement Influencer, authored the best-selling book, If Not You, Who? Cracking the Code of Employee Disengagement, and works with the best and brightest global leaders to improve productivity and retention, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth. Jill can be reached at +1.303.999.9224 or  jill@jillchristensenintl.com.