Russ Sharer
VP Marketing at Beyond Just a Vision
Santa Barbara California
A compelling vision brings a group of individuals together to focus on a common purpose. But creating a sense of community in your company is a stronger motivator for personal employee engagement.
Humans crave community. Loneliness and isolation are avoided in our society in numerous ways, and can be seen in the latest trend in social media. Technology seeks to harness “always on” to deliver “always in-touch” community. John Donne’s insight that “No man is an island” is excellent leadership thinking.
When building a company, a vision drives direction. Community gives the journey purpose and energy. Knowing that the team is pulling in a single direction while caring for and striving to bring the best out of each member.
I recently left a technology company after ten years, where we achieved this sense of community. The people cared for the success of the company and for each other. As a result, individuals and departments showed a strong willingness to help each other. Politics were minimal, and voluntary turnover was near zero. The company grew from product concept to quarterly revenues in excess of $30M with an attitude of team community.
In addition, this sense of employee community enabled us to grow an extended community with our customers. They were a part of the team, and were willing to work with us on new products and ideas, as well as bear with us when product issues arose in the field.
This should come as no surprise. The middle three layers of Maslow’s Hierarchy deal with safety and security, love and belonging, and self-esteem, which is described as confidence, achievement and respect for others. Descriptors of a high-performing team.
Vision and culture come together in community. If we lead in a way that focuses on the target through a strong commitment to the employees, success will come with greater celebration.
