“Does Anyone Want to Work Anymore?”

Those were the first words out of his mouth…

and before I could respond he launched into a five minute lecture about how ALL his employees were lazy.

His lecture ended with a question,

but I’m certain he meant it as a statement:

“Does anyone show up excited and ready to work anymore?”

I was stumped.

Not because I didn’t have an answer,

but because I wasn’t sure he would believe my answer.

You see, five years ago I held those same beliefs:

everyone wants a paycheck, but no one wants to work

if it’s gonna be done right, I’m going to have to do it

if I’m not present, then everything falls apart

no one wants to be held accountable

And those beliefs resulted in me:

working 80+ hours each and every week

constantly stressed out and frustrated

always having to jump in and “save the day”

never being able to trust anyone on my team

having to prod and push them to reach their goals

My beliefs about my team members shaped my reality.

As this gentleman blasted me with his litany of complaints about his team…

I struggled to relate.

You see, my teammates today are nothing like what he was describing.

My team is filled with truly amazing human beings.

They are both purposeful and passionate.

They serve our clients remarkably well.

Often putting our clients’ needs over their own.

They show up willing and ready to serve.

And because of how amazing they are:

I NEVER worry anymore. I know they are living out our values each day, because everyday I see the smiles and results they’re getting for our clients.

I have officially retired as a babysitter.

I never have to “hold them accountable,” they hold themselves and each other accountable.

We are on a path of continual growth

Our revenue and profits are predictable and consistent

We continually have a flood of A-Players applying to be a part of our team

They regularly create and implement on ideas for how to grow our business (without needing my input)

How’d it happen?

What made the difference?

One word: CULTURE

We transitioned from a mediocre culture,

with mediocre results…

To a high-performance, self-accountable culture…

and the results speak for themselves.

But here’s the most important part of all of this,

this isn’t about your team members,

It’s about YOU!

You have to decide what type of culture you want…

after all, it is a choice.

Once you’ve decided…

the biggest obstacle you’ll face isn’t implementing changes,

it’s shifting your beliefs as to what is possible for your team.

Without guidance, it’s the hardest work you’ll do.

But trust me, it’s worth it.

-Wayne