I must say that I was very skeptical when I first heard that we were starting Care and Growth at Sage Alchemex – my immediate thoughts were that this is another one of those formal corporate training programs that regurgitate what the so called gurus have been preaching for decades, telling the likes of us what good business and companies are all about. Formal education certainly has its place, but I have rather been a HUGE advocate of personal development because I truly believe that ANYTHING is possible, if you have a solid belief system that is nurtured through personal development. Personal development is the key to success because it is a matter of unlocking human potential.
I was delighted to find that Care and Growth would take us on a personal journey that was all about our own growth as a leadership team but more importantly, it was about the people in the organisation and putting them and their development first. I have always believed that if we look after our people, the results will follow. Excellent people produce excellent results. However good this sounds in theory, my question is how often is it actually implemented practically in organistions?
In any case, the cool thing is that I’m experiencing this first hand since we took on Care and Growth and I just know it’s going to make a huge difference by giving people a true purpose, a feeling of worth and that they are making a valuable contribution… those that don’t get it now… surely will some-day, if we are consistent with our actions.
Another big penny dropper for me in this process is that we need to reward our people for their contribution as opposed to the results that are delivered. This makes so much sense to me. And then a final point, contribution at all levels should be unconditional, without having an eye on what I get in return, what do I get out of the deal? This really is the basis of all solid personal development and can be applied in the work place.