Global
competition, reduced revenues and rising operating expenses
are just a few of the challenges facing today's organizations,
whether corporate, government or nonprofit. To counteract these
challenges, leaders are attempting to boost productivity, institute
process improvements and increase ROI. But that is only one
side of the coin.
The success of these initiatives is ultimately dependent upon
the organization's people. It is they, either by their positive
action or lack thereof, who will promote or undermine its future.
However, employee morale has rarely been lower than it is today
in many organizations. The stress of geopolitical and economic
uncertainty, growing distrust of leaders and the expectation
that fewer employees must do more with less resources and fewer
rewards, is causing many to seek cover rather than strive to
build the organization's future.
When leaders focus only on tangible results, i.e., increased
productivity and profitability, their people feel unappreciated
and in many instances, “used.” This results in a downward spiral
of ever greater demands followed by continually decreasing employee
responsiveness and morale.
By focusing on building a Legacy Organization, leaders open
the door to every individual for personal development, fulfillment
and the opportunity for a rewarding career. The result to the
organization, is a self motivated, loyal and highly committed
staff that deeply desires to further the legacy at every opportunity.
When people are motivated by furthering the legacy, they become
the organization's greatest resource and fiercest proponent.
