We’re all people. Here’s why that matters.

Allow me to share a few quotes to kick off the conversation this week.

To set the tone here’s the first quote by Simon Sinek:

“100% of employees are people. 100% of customers are people. 100% of investors are people. If you don’t understand people, you don’t understand business.”

Simon Sinek

Makes sense, right?

Here are two other quotes are taken from the book The 4-hour workweek by Tim Ferriss:

Quote one:

“A company is stronger if it’s bound by love rather than by fear… If the employees come first, then they’re happy.”

Herb Kelleher, co-founder of Southwest Airlines

Quote two:

“Look, kiddie. I built this business by being a bastard. I run it by being a bastard. I’ll always be a bastard, and you don’t ever try to change me.”

Charles Revson, founder of Revlon, while talking to a senior executive within his company.

Two questions for you:

• Who would you prefer to work for?
• Do you think either one of these gentlemen did not understand business?
  

The answer to the first question I know. Otherwise, you would not be reading my weekly insights.

The answer to the second, I don’t know. But I know that both founders were incredibly successful in developing their companies into big brands and well-respected businesses.

I also know that Southwest Airlines is known for its engaged culture and incredible customer service.

I don’t have data on Revlon, but I’ve never heard them being mentioned as an example of an engaged culture. I know Charles Revson is no longer involved as CEO, so I can only hope the culture has changed for the better.

I could research the details, but that’s not the scope of my insights, and it wouldn’t change my point.

Businesses are better off long-term when people come first.

That’s my point.

Any business that prioritizes putting the growth and well-being of their people first will build a culture where people love to come to work.

For all the other businesses, work is merely a transaction that will end sooner or later.

Yes, money matters to almost everyone, and sometimes we stay where we are because the money is good.

But that doesn’t mean that money can buy our loyalty. As soon as a better alternative presents itself, we’re gone.

Because we’re people, and we want to be treated as people.

Whether someone has a fancy title, is higher in the hierarchy, or has more money, that does not give him the right to treat you as a lesser person.

That’s what Simon Sinek is alluding to, and that’s why my first insights of this year were about values, self-awareness, and kindness.

It’s sad that we must keep writing about this.

It’s sad that we keep promoting people who know how to make money but have no clue how to grow people.

It’s sad that we keep developing leadership programs that only serve those who already mean well but ignore those who think they don’t need it.

I’ve been in many businesses, and almost always, the CEO (and often their team) believe that training is not needed for them. Because they’re the boss.

More often than not, this program should be especially for them.

Because they do not have the ability, or interest, to develop their people properly.

AND THEY KNOW IT.

They just don’t want to be exposed and found out.

Your turn: What type of leader are you (and you don’t need to be leading people)?

Do more of what makes you happy!

Erikjan

PS. You can still sign up for my personal growth webinar THIS Thursday the 20th of January at 2 pm CET. Sign-up below.