Don’t Moralize It
It was an interesting take, to say the least. Powerful, even.
We were discussing levels of employee engagement, and our guest speaker was walking us through it slowly.
Four levels - each level raising the bar of achievement, leadership, responsibility, and value to the organization.
Made a lot of sense.
And then he said some sobering words.
"Don't moralize it."
Wait a minute. Back up the truck. What was that? Who is moralizing anything here?
As Eric unpacked the statement, it started to make a lot more sense. In fact, the idea of ‘moralizing’ applies in a number of similar situations.
We subconsciously assign higher moral value to things we deem to have higher practical value.
We think: "This level of contribution is morally 'better than' that level of contribution."
We don't say it out loud, but we think it. We feel it. Subconsciously. Without even trying.
The message was clear...and sobering. That's not true. One person is not "better" than another based on their level of contribution.
Worth more on the market? Yes. Worth more as a person? No!
Don't do that.
Don't moralize it.
We need people at all levels to engage and do good work.
The person who invests in their development, grows, leads, and serves at higher capacities will be worth more from a market perspective. No argument there.
But that doesn't make them a better person from a moral perspective.
I'm still working this out in my head, but the concept is sticking with me.
We should seek to value our people at all levels of engagement. They have agency. They are free to choose how far they want to progress in the company and in life.
And if someone chooses to camp out in one spot for a while - or for an entire career?
As long as they are contributing well to the culture and the end goal of the company, we can celebrate that decision with them.
Don't moralize it. Got it. Three words I won't forget anytime soon.
Blessings to you all!
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This Week’s Resource Recommendation:
“Team Amplifiers: 8 Ways Teams Thrive in Rapid Change”
- Eric McDermott
Eric is a talented illustrator, author, and speaker that we brought to Peoria a couple years ago to speak to our Central IL Convene team, and his message was extremely well received. His style is unique, memorable, and engaging. If you like his book, you’ll love having him as a speaker. Check him out!
From Amazon:
Work teams may never be the same again:
Quiet Quitting
The Great Resignation
Remote and hybrid teams
Generational divides
How do business leaders increase team trust, engagement and coordination amid such rapid change? Let alone stay competitive in the marketplace?
This is what Team Amplifiers are all about!
WHAT CAN TEAM AMPLIFIERS DO FOR YOUR TEAMS?
The 8 Team Amplifiers are quick, easy-to-use practices that help:
Increase trust, engagement, and coordination
Align people to the shared objectives
Make meetings and work more meaningful and on-point
Produce outcomes that build progress
Promote innovation and forward thinking
Elevate culture
And, of course, align your existing teams and inbound new hires to thrive together!
TEAM AMPLIFIERS WORK:
In all types of industries
In all levels of the organization
Easy to use, easy to scale, easy to sustain
MMS 25-11
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Blessings to you, my friend!
