Leaders of Contented Cow companies understand that although their people have individual preferences, there is a common list of things they want (and deserve) — things that are necessary to fully engaging with the enterprise:
1. Meaningful work
People want and need to be proud of their work. They want suitable challenges and the freedom to pursue them. They want to be in the game,
not on the bench.
2. High standards
They don’t want to associate with losers. We all tend to moan and whine about high standards, but deep down, every one of us realizes that these standards are a necessary component to winning.
3. A clear sense of purpose and direction
People want to read mysteries, not live them. Timely, relevant, and meaningful (i.e., truthful) information is a must. Where are we going, and why?Why does it matter? How does my role fit in?
4. Balanced “worth-its”
Managers must demonstrate a commensurate level of interest and investment in employees. We must provide internal systems that support rather than impede their efforts and give them the freedom to pursue some things that are important to them. Two of the most powerful motivators in today’s workplace are (a) having the opportunity to learn and build skills (and your résumé) and (b) being able to do your very best work. We want to see some progress made at the end of each day, and it drives us crazy when silly, systemic obstacles keep us from doing our best.
5. A level playing field
Employees want reciprocal caring, coupled with some sense of justice and an assurance they won’t be taken advantage of.
6. To be and feel competent
We don’t really need to explain this one, do we?
Excerpted with permission of the publisher John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (wiley.com) from “Contented Cows Still Give Better Milk, Revised and Expanded: The Plain Truth about Employee Engagement and Your Bottom Line” by Bill Catlette and Richard Hadden; 2012 Contented Cow Partners, LLC
