Written by: Mariana Macias, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
One of the main reasons why companies bring in performance coaches is either for a performance evaluation/improvement for employees or to improve retention rate. What most leaders and CEOs underestimate is the power of contribution.
Following the six human needs: certainty, uncertainty, significance, love & connection, growth, and contribution. It is known that when we make our primary needs growth and contribution, it is when most fulfilled, successful and joyful we can feel. But it is also true that most humans, and mostly in working environments, tend to prioritize significance and growth. There is an enormous need to feel relevant and valued by the company and leaders as an employee. What is wrong with that? Nothing at all. I believe it is healthy as we NEED it, to feel of value by the company you had been hired. And, of course, feel relevant. The problem, if you ask me, occurs when your main driver is to receive validation, and recognition at all costs, as well as making that your primary goal within the company.
I’m telling you, as a performance executive coach, most of what I hear as nonsatisfaction from the employee always comes from the need for significance. From the lack of “recognition,” which then they constantly verbalize as “lack of feedback,” which clearly, it is NOT!
Now, how is moving your people from their needs of significance to contribution can save the day or employees' performance? When people contribute to others’ lives, they feel VALUED. They feel they are being powerfully used. They feel they’re growing as well, and they feel of purpose. They feel ENGAGED. With what exactly? With the environment/place that allows them to be of contribution. When was the last time you contributed to some bigger cause? Or maybe to a close end cause? When was the last time you added value to someone else’s life? When was the last time you GAVE?
Using your talent resources powerfully is not only demanding and expecting your people an outstanding performance, is being able to see and use their talents, gifts, and creativity to embrace new ideas about who gets to contribute and how, whether they are inside or outside the company. Your employees’ and customers’ talents and passions are too valuable to waste. Why not move them and invite them to express their creativity, wherever they may be in the org chart or the world, to help you solve problems and drive change while contributing?
We must give our people powerful work identities where they can not only relate but thrive and grow in all senses, not only professionally. We must take care of our talent, setting them for contribution lovers rather than recognition seekers.
We need to give people the opportunity to feel and be of contribution. The world needs it. We all need it! I bet your company needs it as well. Don’t forget that at the end of the day, people want to be involved in the companies they care about, and mostly in the ones they spend 70-80% of their daily time.
So, what is your end game action plan to move your employees to embrace contribution as part of their everyday work activity? You can always schedule a call with a performance coach to start defining the strategy. Here’s the link to my calendar. Cheers!
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Mariana Macias, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Mariana Macias is well known for being the coach of HIGH TOP PERFORMERS! She also coaches and trains mostly C suite leaders. She has been serving for more than 5 years +1000 international companies such as Salesforce, The North Face, and Colgate, for mentioning, as well as coaching firms, independent clients, & entrepreneurs. She has been committed to the coaching industry, serving as well by hosting retreats from coast to coast & from Mexico to the States. Her methodology is 100% pure coaching, KPI's, and powerful questions that come with powerful inner breakthroughs that bring her clients to take full commitment and massive action into their lives. She is also certified as a meditation guide. And she's a Book Author- "Tengo Una Historia Que Contarte" Available now on Amazon.
