Dave's Vision For The Business Unit
While it is true, Dave's life philosophy is: Oz is the Yellow Brick Road, Dave has always believed that the Road is leading somewhere.
When I made the decision to begin a chronicle of my adventures as a manager, I wasn't quite sure how it was going to play out. I didn't have a script. Another one of my life philosophies is way leads on to way. (From the Frost poem The Road Not Taken). So once under way here, I began to feel the need to interject some personal stuff. The chronicles will not be a course on how to be a manager. They will simply be observations of my experiences with good size doses of feeling and emotion.
I have had two recurring dreams. One for my entire life and the other since I left the grocery business in 1979. I will not be discussing the grocery business part of my life here. Never once has either dream been the same. But they have maintained a consistent theme. In my life long dream I am leading people out of danger. Realistically these dreams began while I was in high school and they continue to this day. I guess this explains my career as a jet fighter pilot.
For my present business unit, I do not feel like I am leading them out of danger. I do believe though, that where we are going and how we will get there, will prepare them to handle danger on their own. Here is my vision as launched to my team on February 7, 2008.
To use our place of work as a vehicle to enhance you and your family's quality of life.
"Our place of work will become a sanctuary from the outside world. We will come to work to get better at life. We will feel good about coming to work and we will feel better when we go home.
How are we going to make this happen? By engaging with each of the four entities that make up you as a whole person. We will pay attention to, listen to, nurture, develop and cultivate your heart, body, mind and spirit. And we will do this one small step forward at a time"
Well, needless to say, the team looked at me with a HUH? No one in their lives had ever asked them to come down this road. But they felt my passion, so they continued to listen.
"By heart I mean your relationships. Intend to build caring relationships with the folks you deal with every day. Do you have a sound way to keep track of your contacts? Note- 98% of the business unit consists of field technicians. If I were addressing a room full of salesmen I'd take a different approach.
Your body is necessary for your survival. Your safety falls into this category. As does your health and how you are compensated.
When we talk about your mind, we want to develop your imagination, your curiosity and your intellectual capacity.
And by your spirit, we'll be paying attention to how you find meaning in work and how we can continue to support and guide your efforts."
Though I spoke about this at our meeting, I am following it up in one on one conversations with the entire team.
If you want to continue to work here, you must care about and be active in your own personal development.
The formulation of my vision and the above statement did not follow any democratic process. I will not waiver on this proclamation. For I believe as we develop and grow the quality of life will improve for our families and ourselves.
Influence for these beliefs:
- The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey
- Managing with Aloha by Rosa Say
Up Next: The Vision pierces the soul of one team member.
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