We are in the middle of a snowstorm. For us in Seattle, it’s a significant deal for three reasons. First, we don’t get these enough to allow us to be as prepared as other neighbors in the country. Second, we get an inordinate amount of melt that turns into ice. Third, we have a lot of hills; and ice and hills aren’t a good mix.
At home, I’ve done all the normal things to prepare, but as with most of my neighbors, I hadn’t picked up any ice melt. We had a neighborhood text thread going on to see if anyone had some to share. Saturday night, I went to take the dogs out and found a humongous bag of ice melt on my porch. Of course there was no indication of who it was from, but I have my suspicion among a couple of neighbors. Nobody is confessing.
We have an “old school” neighborhood. We all know each other; like each other; help each other out; and hang out together regularly (as I write this, we are preparing to host a Snowmageddon get together). We are fortunate to be around neighbors that altruistically are always ready to both help and have fun.
Is the company you own or are a part of neighborly?
On one hand, your employees may have developed the culture of many neighborhoods in this era where people isolate themselves, with head down, staring at monitors and head phones, walk by each other with little more than a nod, and then go home as quickly as possible. The OTHER hand is the one I suggest for improved company culture, better performance, reduced risk, and more fun…
A company that picks up for each other when someone is out (without being asked); that collaborate, engage, and laugh with each other; that encourage and support each other; and that demand a culture where anyone new coming in be onboarded properly to accelerate that culture. By accomplishing this, you will realize reduced turnover and increased profitability. Plus, your employees will become evangelists for your company.
Here’s your challenge for the week. Rate your company on a scale of 1 to 5, with one being completely isolated to 5 being Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. What do you need to do to improve your score and who can help you? Answer that question and get started with just one step. Share with me the step you took and you will get a complimentary 15-minute conversation with me and I will give you my three steps to assure success.
By increasing that neighborly spirit, the results will be remarkable.
Quote of the Day:
“The more we can be in a relationship with those who might seem strange to us, the more we can feel like we’re neighbors and all members of the human family.”
~ Fred Rogers
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