At a recent conference, the speaker presented an interesting perspective on the attraction factor of bringing talent into an organization. The primary focus was on younger generation talent and how they are looking for something in the workplace. If you ask them, they can’t define it. If you probe for it, you are likely to get a blank stare. It is not something that jumps off the page and they or you can put your finger on it and say that is exactly it. It is likely a bit different for each and every person that might work for your business or seeking employment with your organization. As a result, it is challenging to frame it in such a way that the candidate or employee can relate with.
At JKL Associates, we are very committed to working with organizations who believe in and live by their Core Purpose and Core Values. We have witnessed dramatic improvements and higher contribution levels when the whole organization is aligned to a common reason for being. Our Purpose for our existence is – Building Trusted Relationships Rooted in Purpose so Authentic Contributions Deliver Promises. We live by this Purpose in everything that we do. It is governed by our Core Values of – Respect, Authenticity, Accountability. This framework provides the reasons we execute at the best level we can with and for our clients.
Some might dismiss this concept of having a well-defined and articulated Purpose as just fluff. Some might go through the motions of crafting one, hanging it on the wall but never live by it in all actions. Some will craft very wordy vision, mission and other statements which introduce many ideals but never the glue to have them mean anything on a daily basis.
This is why the presenter introduced the approach of identifying a cause. Yes, it must align with your overall Purpose etc. but it more directly touches on this void that younger talent has a harder time defining. With the massive influence social media has on the world, people are more likely to get the “cause” approach vs. the purpose of the business. For example, Go Fund Me efforts. These are used to touch the emotional aspects of a situation and calls for an action response such as a donation of money to the “cause.” It is a short tightly identified event which takes a short almost brainless effort to make a decision to either participate in or decline and move on.
As the world compresses its attention span to 144 characters and 10-20 seconds of attention, as leaders we too need to convey our purpose, core values and the causes of the business in small, short bursts of information which the talent will then decide to engage or decline. By helping the current and future talent in your organization to relate to the cause behind the purpose you have a greater chance of getting and keeping them interested in being part of your effort.
This effort to meet these changes in communincation with talent is to some, very concerning. It appears that leaders are doing all the shifting because the talent shortages holds all the cards. This in our opinion is just another overreaching perspective. There are many highly qualified people seeking to be part of something bigger, greater, more profound than just existing in life. Your business might just be the vehicle which lifts them up to be more than they even understand they can be.
As you view into your business this week, give some consideration to how to translate your Purpose into smaller bite size nuggets so your team can more fully appreciate, understand and engage in the company’s success. Once they relate to the cause which supports the purpose they will contribute and meet if not exceed expectations.
Looking to more fully understand what makes your team more engaged? Give JKL Associates a call at FL (407) 984-7246 or MI (313) 527-7945.
Journey On!
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QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS – EMAIL US AT PARTNERS@JKLASSOCIATES.COM OR CALL OUR OFFICES – MI AT (313) 527-7945 FL AT (407) 984-7246
Celebrating 30 years of Delivering on “Promises”
