Bresnahan's Shorts* - July 2004

*Short topics

Trust/ Trustworthy

Being trustworthy does not guarantee that you are building trust!

Trust is not a new subject but may be for some when considered with trustworthy. What happened with several of our large corporations, such as Enron, in the last couple of years has heightened the awareness of trust and trustworthiness. Companies have expected loyalty but these scandals underscore why it is very low.

According to the "Loyalty in the Workplace, 2001 National Employee Benchmark Study" conducted by WalkerInformation, an Indianapolis market research company, only 24% of U.S. employees feel they should be loyal. (Interestingly enough, the group is over the age of 55.) Overall, workers felt that senior management lacked high integrity.

When employees begin to feel that the employer is not truthful with workers or customers, disrespectful, taking bonuses or other perks, the employees begin to be less productive, talk negatively about the company, take a longer lunch, etc. Lawrence Mitchell, law professor at George Washington University and author of "Corporate Irresponsibility" (2001, Yale University Press) said, "When the market opens again, companies will lose their best workers."

Now let's add the results of a recent survey of over 1,500 workers by CareerBuilder which reported that 43% of workers do not feel valued by their employer.

• Dissatisfaction with management techniques were sited which included lack of time taken to aid in development.
• Criticism was given regarding the supervisor's character in addition to 22% saying he was not trustworthy.
• Additionally, 47% stated that senior management did not lead by example and
• 32% said that they were not kept informed about company objectives and initiatives.

With this kind of supporting information is there any wonder that (according to Gallup) only 29% of the U.S. work population is engaged (loyal and consistently productive), 55% are not engaged (just putting in their time) and 16% are actively disengaged (spreading their discontent around). Take a look at your organization. Can you look around and see the lost opportunity? Consider what this is costing you in payroll, not to mention other benefits and maybe legal fees.

If you want to learn about how to make changes in your organization and begin to build trust, give the Bresnahan Group a call. We have a proven process we can help you implement.

Top of Page

Thoughts to Ponder

"Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing perfectly." -Robert H. Schuller

"There are no limits to growth, because there are no limits on the human capacity of intelligence, imagination and wonder." -Ronald Reagan

Top of Page

Back to Basics

Be thankful. This is from my memories.

At this writing, I am taking stock and know I have much to be thankful for. Maybe as you read, some thoughts will come to your mind that you are thankful for. Here is my list.

Thankful for my health. I try to remember how important it is, but often get caught up in the daily routine and forget. How lucky I am to have good medical care available when it is needed and the ability to access it.

Thankful for a wonderful and loving family. Through thick and thin they are there, being patient and offering support. Many dear friends do the same.

Thankful for my wonderful friends and acquaintances. I have been able to experience several opportunities recently due to the generosity of these people who are in my life and leaving a footprint.

Thankful for living in this great country. A friend's son was recently deployed to Iraq. While this is closer to home than most of this war has been, I am grateful to this young man for his willingness and courage to support and help maintain the wonderful life we have in the United States.

Thankful that my parents took the risk to come to this country which has given me an opportunity to have a great life and many opportunities.

Thankful for my faith because even when things seem to be tough I know that all will work out for the best.

Thankful for being self-employed and being able to do what I am passionate about everyday. Thankful for my wonderful clients who give me this opportunity.

All in all, it is a pretty wonderful life that many might envy. I'm sure each of you has much to be thankful for, both in your personal and professional life. If there is something that needs fixing, set out your plan and take action so you can be thankful that you had the opportunity to make it right. Let me know if I can help.

Top of Page

Servant Leader

We have all heard that part of our job, whether an employee, a boss or an entrepreneur, is to make our boss (or client) look good. There are many who have had successful business careers by doing just this.

Caring about others and being unselfish are important traits of a leader. Look for suggestions from others, listen intently without interrupting and treat them with respect. Watch and emulate behaviors of those you admire.

Some of our best leaders don't demonstrate ego but rather humility. These where some of the traits Jim Collins spoke about in "Good to Great." Peter Block has also talked about the servant leader in "Stewardship."

Consider how you want to be remembered as a leader.

Top of Page

Recommended Reading

External incentives and motivators do not cause lasting change and motivation. Learn about the psychological rewards workers can get from the work itself. "Intrinsic Motivation at Work -Building Energy & Commitment" by Kenneth W. Thomas.

Top of Page

More Information

For more information about any of these topics contact us at 505-922-1973 or email BresGroup @ 4u.net.

Newsletter Archive