You Can Do It!
- Everyone is behind you -
I made a commitment on March 4th to march forth to healthier me. It began with a quick walk through the neighborhood five days a week. That led to a run/walk through the neighborhood and that led to hiring a personal trainer three days a week. This past weekend I did something I never thought I’d do… the Bellin Run. The Bellin Run, for those of you outside the Green Bay area, is the largest organized run (that I’m aware of) in Wisconsin. Fifteen thousand people participated: from a kids run on Friday night to the main 10K run on Saturday morning.
The team was my wife and I along with a two-kid stroller holding our five and three year-old girls. We were in the stroller/walker group. I’ve never seen so many people all wanting to run! We completed the 6.2 mile romp in 1:17:33. Now, to a runner, this is not a wonderful time, but to a non-runner, like myself, our walk/run effort made us proud. Our girls screamed and giggled with delight when we began running, so much so, that a police officer, who we raced by said, “Your team is definitely having the most fun!”
So now that you have a little background on the race, let me share with you the energy of the race. When you run in an organized event, like the Bellin Run, you are supported by a community of people who care. All along the race route are crowds of people encouraging you. They’re cheering, “Who-hoo, you can do it. Keep going, you’re doing great!” There was a banjo player on a ladder singing a song about running, volunteers handing out water every mile or so, families with their garden hoses spraying runners and keeping them cool. I was absolutely amazed.
Could you imagine a company working together like this? I’m proud of the culture we’re fostering, but we have a long way to go if we’re going to match the unconditional support of an organized run. I think many people in business are scared. They’re scared of people above, below, and beside them. I see organizations filled with distrust and skepticism. This serves no person and no long-term strategy. To win in today’s business environment leaders need to work on establishing transparent organizations. Organizations that make their associates feel like they’re a part of something special. Where freedom to speak up is supported and rewarded. Where a person feels safe and secure. Are you with me?
- Joe Kiedinger -
ACTION PLAN: Make the decision today to pick just one individual you’re going to grow this year. Take them under your wing and establish trust by asking their opinion on growing initiatives. Give them responsibility and allow them make decisions in certain areas. The message you will be sending is “I care about you and you’re important to me.”