Unleashing Productivity

A Dilbert cartoon shows employee survey results as: "I work here so I can . . . postpone starvation (80%); sell cosmetics to coworkers (10%); steal enough yellow sticky pads to insulate my attic (9%); get cartoon ideas (1%)." This cartoon may seem amusing, but an organization’s advantage is stronger when coworkers’ needs regarding employment are met. Many employers feel that the only reason people show up for work is for the money. A University of Massachusetts survey indicated that roughly eight out of ten people said that they would continue to work even if they inherited enough money to live comfortably.

A recent Gallop Poll indicated that employees felt that the number one way to increase their performance was "to allow us (employees) to put our ideas into action"; the fourth most important was "to listen to our improvement ideas." Walt Disney once said, "The growth and development of the Walt Disney Company is directly related to the growth and development of its human resources . . . the cast. At Disney, we operate on a first-name basis. We go about our work in a business-like way, but we feel that work can be fun. We believe that everyone in our organization is important. We soft-pedal job titles, and we feel that one activity is as important as another."

The Key: The often overlooked resource is the frontline employee. . .unleash their true potential.