Did you know that 63% of the workforce under age 45 plans to leave their current employer when the economy improves?* Why is that? We can pretend it’s all about the money. But, according to the research, many folks look for better options because they feel negatively about the management of their company.

Instead, could it be a human need to believe that a company’s leaders are looking out for the employees who make it work?

I am one of those childish believer-types who look at those “above” me with a bit of awe. I wonder how they got to their current position; what they struggle with; are they really sincere in their efforts, or is it just about power and posturing?

That’s why each and every interaction I have with management is a chance for them to prove their authenticity OR their insincerity. And believe you me, my awe can change to cynicism in a heartbeat if I get the wrong vibe from a 30-second interaction gone wrong.

What’s more, my eyes and ears are equally as sensitive to my peers and how they interact with me. (Yes, I am the sensitive type; but, if you’re honest, there are plenty of us in your company.)

So, what does that mean for a new year? For me, it means I intend to go back to basics. Treat everyone as I would like to be treated. I will look for the good and make sure each and every time I talk with someone in my organization, I give them my best. (That doesn’t mean candy-coated fake smiles and fluff conversation. It means really listening and asking questions about them.)

Call me idealistic, but keeping things simple is the most effective way to incite true and genuine change. And if everyone, from the big cheese in the glass tower to the craft in the field, believes in The Golden Rule** and ACTS on it, we will be better as individuals AND as companies.

Make 2011 the year of no regrets. Don’t wonder if you did what you could to keep your teams engaged and motivated. Take real action. One act of genuine kindness and sincerity goes a long way.
 

*See the article Transaction Versus Interaction on page 26 of OSP magazine's January 2011 print issue or read it at this link: http://www.ospmag.com/issue/article/Transaction-Versus-Interaction

**The Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is a maxim, an ethical code, or a morality, that essentially states either of the following: 1.) One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself (positive form); 2.) One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated (negative/prohibitive form, also called the Silver Rule). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Rule

What’s your take on this subject? Leave a comment and get the conversation going.