We are often our worst critics. So when answering this question honestly, in most scenerios I'd guess that, more often than not, people think of a few more things they could've tried, pushing themselves a little harder for a better result perhaps knocking on one more door to exceed that sales target.
"Your best" is naturally individually defined . Each person brings their own capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, unique experience and bar of judgement.
Individual drive and passion certainly play a major role. Some people are relentless in the pursuit of their individual best. If it doesn't meet their standard, it isn't good enough no matter what everyone else says. They push, struggle and fight to revel in the glory of giving it their all. Content often with the efforts even if the results don't necessarily manifest.
But managers must also recognize their large responsibility in creating a constructive and challenging space to enable such individuals to pursue their best. Employees must be equipped to do their best early on - when they are full of hope and passion. Setting targets, training, mentoring most importantly listening are ways managers can ensure employees will stay the course regardless of the obstacles they face. If as a manager you are unable to create an atmosphere of high expectations with unlimited support for your employees to pursue their personal best - you unknowingly stiffle passion, contentment and job satisfaction. You end up creating employees that eventually settle for less than their best. Most importantly creating a dangerous and contagious culture within the organization.
In the end, the super stars always manage to shine. Regardless of surroundings, managers, team morale, available support, resources or obstacles they may face. It is the rest of the 95% that managers must handle with care. What could we achieve if everyone was pursuing their personal best and enabling others to do the same? The better question to ask perhaps - is what couldn't we achieve with everyone's best?
"Your best" is naturally individually defined . Each person brings their own capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, unique experience and bar of judgement.
Individual drive and passion certainly play a major role. Some people are relentless in the pursuit of their individual best. If it doesn't meet their standard, it isn't good enough no matter what everyone else says. They push, struggle and fight to revel in the glory of giving it their all. Content often with the efforts even if the results don't necessarily manifest.
But managers must also recognize their large responsibility in creating a constructive and challenging space to enable such individuals to pursue their best. Employees must be equipped to do their best early on - when they are full of hope and passion. Setting targets, training, mentoring most importantly listening are ways managers can ensure employees will stay the course regardless of the obstacles they face. If as a manager you are unable to create an atmosphere of high expectations with unlimited support for your employees to pursue their personal best - you unknowingly stiffle passion, contentment and job satisfaction. You end up creating employees that eventually settle for less than their best. Most importantly creating a dangerous and contagious culture within the organization.
In the end, the super stars always manage to shine. Regardless of surroundings, managers, team morale, available support, resources or obstacles they may face. It is the rest of the 95% that managers must handle with care. What could we achieve if everyone was pursuing their personal best and enabling others to do the same? The better question to ask perhaps - is what couldn't we achieve with everyone's best?
No comments:
Post a Comment