There is likely no more appropriate focus for business today
than to deal with the idea of entitlement.
Our workforce is pushed to consider self. And while it is necessary to consider self in
the grand scheme of life, it does not equate to all policy and business
direction being dictated as it
relates to self.
In our schools, for example, we have acclimated to testing
utilizing a variety of methodologies and techniques. If someone is a poor traditional test-taker,
then we have allowed them to verbally take the test with the teacher or
demonstrate a mastery of the subject matter is other ways. Now move that same student ahead 10 years
into the workforce. How many different
ways are there for the worker to demonstrate his/her mastery of the subject
(work)? Most times, there’s just
one. We assess in specific, often
singular, ways. A product has to look
and function in a certain way; even the service industry has parameters to stay
within.
The point is not necessarily that we assess in various ways
(though I would lean towards such a thought), but rather our workers are left
outside of the process. They then slip
into a fight or flight mentality.
Turnover comes easier when I realize I can’t do the work the way you
want. I will leave, no problem. If I am 24, I will find another entry level
role. I’m young. No big deal.
If I am 44, I will find another role.
I’m still young enough (please don’t tell me that this is not still
young…I might just breakdown). No big
deal. Plus there is always unemployment
insurance to assist me in the transition.
But, if I choose to fight, I will retreat to
entitlement. I will call upon the god of
entitlement and its minions - accommodation, leave and disparate treatment. How can I take care of me? How has this work environment been
unhealthy? It cannot be that I am unable
to do what’s required of me, but rather it must be how terrible it is here at
work.
Sound familiar. Let
me hit that nerve even more. How many
businesses are living in fear of their employees? What if they sue? Complain?
Gulp…call the Department of Labor?
The organizations established to protect the American worker are viewed
as the enemy of American business. How
did this happen? Entitlement. (
So, what to do?
- Address it – don’t be scared! Call it out. Say, “We all come from a position of entitlement.” Work through simple examples. Don’t accuse. Share general observations. Let people laugh at you. Let them laugh at themselves.
- Be transparent – as best as you can, share financials. Let people know that the pot is only so big. Yeah, I want to live at Google offices, too, but we can’t. Who’s going to pay for it? Once some more liquidity is in our hands, how should we spend it? Which of these three options makes better sense in light of our financials and our mission? Let employees engage!
- Coach – devise a plan to battle “me first.” How do we call it out in each other without irritating the stew out of each other? There is nothing wrong with asking a question about self, but is that the default position? Demonstrate business acumen and meet your employee where he/she is. Guide them through components of business decisions. Long term, this will pay off in huge dividends…and I don’t mean just money.
