Recognizing the Value of Your Team!

Business moves fast. Deadlines are approaching. Strategic plans are in place. Goals are high and expectant. Then suddenly, as we experienced with Andrei, one of your key players is gone. It may not be a sudden death, but could be a personal or family tragedy, health issue or other major trauma. No matter what the circumstances, losing a critical part of your team is horrendous.

How much value do you place on your team…when everything is going well?

It’s easy when you are moving so fast to neglect the most valuable part of your business, which is your people. I find a lot people do take time to acknowledge people during special occasions. This is important, but it’s also important to recognize the value your people bring to your organization on a daily basis. Not necessarily with showers of gifts, but rather the extra word or two that edifies and acknowledges them as people. The little ‘thank you’ for a good job. The word of encouragement when things don’t go as planned.

Why is this important?

First of all…because it serves your people. It also requires you to look for the positive contribution your staff is making to your team. This also includes independent contractors, vendors, suppliers, bankers and so many other people who touch your business. When it comes right down to it, each of these people is an individual with a life, strengths, challenges, goals, etc. If you’ll build a habit pattern looking for the value in your people, you’ll usually find they will do the same.

As a side benefit, imagine the trickle down impact this can have on you personally as well as your business. It’s odd that this type of behavior is the exception, and not the rule, but it is. I was shocked to learn how few people have consistently been encouraged and supported in the lives. We’ve all made mistakes, chosen tracks that were ‘learning lessons’. However, when we CHOOSE to look for the value in others, and express it even in small, meaningful ways, your life will be blessed…and so will your teams.

If you’ve had the experience of a tragic loss as we’ve had with Andrei, you know what it’s like to flash back to the last words you shared with someone. How did the conversation end, what was the tone, what will you remember forever? Fortunately, the last conversation Andrei and I had was a good one. I learned a lot from Andrei and I hope this idea of recognizing the value of your team will help you throughout your career.

On a side note…you might consider trying this at home. I find it’s easy to relax and not apply business principals in the place it matters most–home. Great communication and letting your loved ones know how much you appreciate their contribution in your life is essential. Even when you don’t have anything specific to say, just letting them you appreciate and love them can go a long way.

Thank you Andrei.
Cheers,

Steve

Steve Olds
Founder and CEO
www.STRATWORX.com

Over the last few months, many of you have gotten to know our Chief Strategy Officer, Andrei Podell. He has been an integral part of our ‘Ask the Experts’ teleconference series and developing the ‘My IP Plan’ mini-course.

Last Monday, I had a long conversation with Andrei about several new strategic initiatives and new intellectual property concepts. At 3am on Tuesday, Andrei sent me an email about an idea for a new Stratworx member perk to build lifestyle support for the entrepreneur with regard to optimum brain power and optimum energy. He closed his email with, “To all of our good health.”

Unfortunately, after Andrei went to sleep, he never woke up. At present, the medical examiner hasn’t been able to determine the cause of death, but there wasn’t any foul play and we know Andrei’s state of mind was one of excitement and enthusiasm for the future.

Today , August 15th, Andrei would have turned 37. While we are deeply saddened by his passing, we are excited to have known Andrei. He was a passionate man with a deep commitment to entrepreneurs and powerfully driven to help Stratworx change the way business is conducted worldwide.

I would encourage you to go to http://www.AndreiPodell.com and read the blog. Several folks including Andrei’s mom, Marcelle, brother Stefan, girlfriend Melissa and me have made posts which you can comment on to share your thoughts.

You’ll also read a heartwarming story of his dog Luckie and what the future holds for her. His family have asked that all donations be made to Luckie’s medical fund.

At Stratworx, we build businesses, grow friendships and support one another in good times and challenging times. Thanks for reading. Please go to http://www.AndreiPodell.com and let his family know how Andrei impacted your life. We will miss him terribly.

Blessings to you and yours,

Steve

Steve Olds
Founder & CEO
STRATWORX LLC
http://www.STRATWORX.com