Some of life’s greatest lessons are learned in the most unexpected places. I was walking home from dropping my car for a service at Mike’s Auto Trust Technicians when I decided to take the long way through my favourite ravine.
When I popped out of the ravine I happened upon Chane. He works for Miller Waste Systems and was collecting green bins. I noticed that Chane was both driving the truck and picking up the bins. This surprised me and I asked him about it. During a very brief conversation I learned that Chane starts his day around 5am and works hard and efficiently so he can get home at a reasonable time to be with his family. I also learned that Chane has a teenage son who wants to be a lawyer. This he told me with an extra bright glean in his eyes.
Then something else surprised me… a thought popped into my mind that I’d really enjoy spending my days working along Chane collecting trash. This is not a job I’d normally aspire to, but the idea of working outside with someone who was kind, hardworking, and cared deeply about his family seemed like a pretty good way to make a buck.
So often I hear people complaining that “it’s impossible to find good help these days.” But I also remember hearing this all the time when I was a teenager working in a sporting goods store half a lifetime ago.
I’m sure by now you see the point - finding good people may be difficult - but when we live strong Core Values in and authentic way - we attract the right people and repel the wrong people.
The trick is getting crystal clear on what your real Core Values are. Not the behaviours you wish existed in your company, but the ones that you genuinely live day-in and day-out. Once you discover these you then go about bringing them to life, working relentlessly to preserve and spread them.
Anyone you let into your company who dilutes your Core Values will destroy the culture you are fighting to protect.
Thankfully, when we hold people accountable to behaving in congruence with our real Core Values, the ones who don’t fit will often leave on their own.
At EOS, we have a super simple tool called the People Analyzer that helps us manage this. Check it out below. It works.
Reach out to me if you'd like a PDF copy of the People Analyzer.
I know this is not easy… if you’re a leader then it’s on you to find the intestinal fortitude to make your Core Values sing throughout your entire organization. If you’re an employee working in an organization that doesn’t align with the values you hold most sacred, then run. I can tell you from my own experience and the experience of every one of my clients… this takes guts… it’s crazy scary… but once you find the courage and take action… life gets so much better.
About EOS
EOS is a simple, complete and proven system for running a truly great organization. As an EOS Implementer, I help my clients create organizational alignment, execute with accountability and discipline, and work together as a healthy team.