More than 64% of the working population is bored with their jobs!
That’s not my statistic. Blame the American Institute of Management. But why? We have it pretty good in this country, despite all the bad press. Yet workers in just about every field drag themselves through their day looking forward only to the weekend. How could this be when we spend greater than two thirds of our waking hours at work? Could it be the fault of our leaders?Remember Rudy Giuliani? After 9/11 he became a hero. He was Time Magazine’s Man of the Year, knighted by the Queen and one of the most respected politicians of our time. But what most don’t realize was that on September 10th he was anathema. New Yorker’s wanted to run him out of town! At the time his approval rate was the lowest of any mayor ever to take residence at Gracie Mansion. His eye was off the New York ball since he was immersed in his run for the Senate, he was in the midst of an acrimonious divorce and his relationship with city officials was strained.Then came September 11. On one of the most horrific days in history Rudy managed to win back the support of the city with just 8 words. What did he say? How could just one sentence transform the attitudes of twelve million people?Not long after the second tower fell, Giuliani was asked what the final body count was. His response was astounding. Any politician might have said, “We do not have that information at this time,” or “Our sources are still tabulating the results,” or any number of other dispassionate replies. But what Giuliani said aligned him to the people, won back their trust and demonstrated his understanding and commitment. This is what he said: “I do not know what the final number will be, but I know it will be more than we can bear.”By uttering those words Giuliani demonstrated that he understood what every New Yorker was going through. At that moment the sentiment toward the mayor turned. At some level, maybe instinctual or visceral, Giuliani knew that his job was to connect with the emotions of the people and rally them toward a better future.As Marcus Buckingham, author of Break All the Rules says, “Great managers discover what is unique about individuals and capitalize on it, great leaders discover what is universal and capitalize on that.”No matter how impressive a leader’s experience and accomplishments if they lack empathy they will be unable to instigate change. A great leader must speak constantly of the future in a sincere and passionate way. They must paint vivid pictures of the future coming to pass. This is what will motivate the workforce. This is what will transform the drudgery of their workday into an extraordinary journey toward the achievement of worthwhile goals.How can you connect with the “universal sentiment” of those within your organization? What can you do, say or demonstrate to make them see the FUTURE that you see? What is your plan for motivating your troops to visualize a better and brighter future? I hope that this inspires you to take action. Webster’s defines leader as “a person who goes in advance, showing the way.” I encourage you to show your people the way and rally them to a better future.Care to submit an article or just have a comment? Email me at mark@markdeo.com