In both both business and in life, consistency removes uncertainty and leads to trust!

Once again Bob Burg has provided me the inspiration with added comments from a dear friend in northern AB to write this particular post. Why do good hardworking contractors and employees begin to lose faith or trust in those they serve or work for? Many times it is due largely as a result of the lack of consistency of action. Supervisors or business leaders make promises or make statements of what they will do and then fail to do so thereby eroding on that trust. When this goes on and promised changes are perpetually either delayed…those front line service staff begin to feel frustrated. This frustration left unchecked turns to moments of deepening frustration then anger. It is at these times key, caring individuals seek out better work conditions where they will be heard.

So many employers and business owners just don’t get it. They wonder why they begin to lose key people  – so preventable. Integrity is basically doing what you are going to do when you say (or commit) you are going to perform some action. Few execute on this so very crucial point I find in speaking to so many either in blue or white-collar circumstances.

Not an overly religious man  – I prefer to think about being more spiritually sound where possible but, there is a particular prayer of sorts that is near and dear to me from St-Francis that provokes actionable thought of being a good person and attempting to do the right things. in life. Another friend I respect immensely in Mike Pickard has doubtfully never even read this prayer but practises many of the points included in it – he has no religious leanings of any sort (that I am aware of) but is ever so conscious and level-headed… The prayer goes mentions some o the following points : 

Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned.

The Go-Giver mind set to me is all about being of true service. It speaks to consistency of action which removes uncertainty and once again leads to trust, which leads to a peace of mind or serenity. Kit Grant CSP (one of the best key note speakers in Canada) has spoken about how to keep employees happy and engaged in the workplace. Bob Burg and his co-author John David Mann in their latest (must read ) book in the Go-Giver series that the secret weapon here is quite simple really. “It’s Not About You” A story about what matters most in business. William Smalley CSP has been speaking in his training seminars for over 15 years that it’s not about me but all about you attitude that creates a major shift… 

The books I have considered to be classics like “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill or The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino… I feel that in terms of points covered  The Go-Giver series of books in my mind are far more relevant and impactful than the reading Og Mandino’s series  books. Even Dr Norman Vincent Peale who was  often considered as one of the founding fathers of modern positive thinking practices was a prolific writer and speaker. Bob and John though have articulated with such clarity and simplicity in their last few books though if had to recommend a condensed reading list I would without reservation refer  Go-Givers Sell More and It’s Not About You!

Business owners / business leaders should be made aware of the how accountability and integrity play such a large role in being successful. treat your people with respect, listen to them and act on recommendations they make when feasible and follow through on stated commitments on time. The results in productivity and in bottom line profits generated will astound you.

In closing one of my many favourites quotes:

“Nuf Said!