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We often get entranced by new things. As a software engineer, I found myself drawn to every new computer, operating system and application for many years.
But that was just me. Everybody has different things that turn them on!
Why should we care? Because you have to realize that the things that get you excited may not at all be what thrills your employees. Or customers.
Read the rest of this entry »Today I’m speaking from my heart to your heart. Because we’re all more focused and productive when we bring our heart into our work.
But we struggle to describe how that works. We tend to more strongly relate to the logical, unemotional part of business: income, job tasks, and so on. And that’s fine, but terribly incomplete.
The part which draws you in, and keeps you engaged, is mostly emotional.
Read the rest of this entry »The traditional wisdom is that businesses are best run with unemotional logic and analysis. And there indeed is a place for that, but it misses the elements that engage customers, partners and employees.
There’s a place for passion, purpose and story. To have your soul shine forth.
About five years ago, Simon Sinek introduced us to a concept he called “Start With Why.” Check out his TED Talk if you haven’t seen it.
Read the rest of this entry »People who run charities or other volunteer organizations have a big advantage over those of us in the for-profit sector: They know they have to tap peoples’ energy in a different way.
Because, of course, they can’t pay those volunteers. Well, maybe with a bit of beer and pizza, but that’s about it.
Over the course of my life, I’ve volunteered my time and energy in many places. And I’ve led teams of volunteers myself. Am I crazy?
Read the rest of this entry »How enthusiastic are your customers about your products? Your company?
Of course, you have the most amazing products and services. You strive every day to promote them and to constantly improve them. That’s fantastic.
But … enthusiasm for your company? That’s harder to answer.
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The solar industry is growing, and rapidly. I’ve watched as the economics have shifted over the last couple of decades, and we’re now to the point where it can totally make sense to outfit your house or business with solar.
That’s why I was excited to speak with Ian Skor recently. He and his partner Andrew Lyle started Sandbox Solar in 2015, focused on serving clients here in northern Colorado. It’s mostly residential for right now, but both residential and commercial are growing rapidly.
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I ran across a really cool concept the other day called Pledge 1% Colorado. It’s a neat idea to support and encourage businesses to help nonprofits benefit from their company’s growth.
There’s no question that business leaders are looking for creative ways to have positive impact in their communities. It’s inspiring!
But there’s a flip side that you need to ask yourself:
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YOUR PRIMARY VALUE as a leader is to give people direction, to align their work in order to achieve the large goals of the group.
But that’s the left-brain way of thinking. It’s fine and necessary as far as it goes, but it’s missing something.
Caring. Purpose. Passion.
YOU’RE VERY PASSIONATE about your mission. I get that. I wish everyone had that level of engagement with their business and job.
The dark side of that passion is that it can easily disconnect you from your customers.
How so?
WE’RE ALL PASSIONATE about something.
Finding a cure for cancer. Cherry cheesecake. Spending time with the kids. Being inventive.
For everyone it’s a bit different. But that’s the problem when you’re trying to get a group of people aligned around a common goal.
The Values-Based Business 
