Pushing up People

Push up principle: Trust and respect buy a loyalty that you can never buy with a salary.

Everyone needs someone and something to believe in. As adults, most people have learned the hard way that many people are only out for themselves. They have discovered, often through a hurtful process, that many people just can't be trusted. You'd think everyone would be jaded; but the truth is, past hurts makes most people more appreciative of someone who's trying to do right. If you can develop your people's trust in you, they'll return the favor with a loyalty and devotion that you can't just buy with salary. They'll give you 150 percent every time if they think you're going to give them a fair deal. On the other hand, if they think you have no principles, you don't "stand" for anything, no amount of money can buy their best efforts.

If you want your people to succeed, you've got to give them an example of fairness and honesty, above any example you set in the areas of knowledge or technical expertise. They can admire your business savvy and your personal success, and that's important. But if they think you will stab them in the back if it's to your advantage, they will never respect you or make their best efforts for you."

Art Williams