Comments

I don't get it. But I sure like the idea of people cherishing me. So, you know, thanks for that! ;-)

Posted by abby at July 17, 2008 4:10 PM

We too don't quite get it - but it does sound good! ;)

Posted by Brick Marketing at July 18, 2008 11:30 AM

I do get it ;-) and I think this is so true. But it takes a lot of courage to reward these people.

Here is the problem: These "last two percenter/s", the ones that are able to really deliver 100% and are willing to do everything to get something done.

Most people are not like that and feel uncomfortable when they have a "last two percenter" around them.

It takes courage to get, reward, keep and support a "last two percenter" but this is essential if one wants to succed.

Posted by Bernhard at July 18, 2008 2:34 PM

In my experience everyone has the capacity and most the desire to be a last two percenter. Many times the barriers preventing them from unleashing that behavior is a simple matter of their knowing their effort is going to be acknowledged, recognized, or appreciated. They put forth the effort in the past perhaps and it wasn't.

Leadership is a marvelous thing indeed but at some point the words you read, the theories you learn have to be translated into action. Rewarding these folks shouldn't require courage. It sends the message this type of behavior is worthy of recognition and celebration. It's the only thing to do! By the way....do your folks see you being a two percenter? Didn't I read somewhere about "modelling" the behavior you want from those you lead?

Posted by Dave Wheeler at July 19, 2008 1:28 PM

'Leadership is a marvelous thing indeed but at some point the words you read, the theories you learn have to be translated into action.'

Dave - I agree with you. In the words of Andrew Carnegie - “The older I get the less I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do.”

Posted by Trevor Gay at July 19, 2008 4:57 PM

Trevor...fantastic quote! It captures my frustration perfectly with many things eight now both professionally and politically as this year's election cycle drones on and on and on. I'm reminded of the lyrics from Stevie Wonder's "You Haven't Done Nothing"

“And we are sick and tired of hearing your song
Telling how you are gonna change right from wrong
'Cause if you really want to hear our views
"You haven't done nothing"!

The answers are on the front line of our companies and with the citizen's of our local communities. Some day leadership. business or political, might figure that one out...Thanks Trevor!

Posted by Dave Wheeler at July 19, 2008 7:30 PM

Now you are really talking Dave. The first album I bought paid for by my own money was entitled 'Motown Chartbusters' or something similar – it would have been around 1969. The great Steve Wonder was featured … what a man … a living legend.

You and I know the most effective leaders have already worked the ‘front line’ thing out – the others will catch up given time I hope.

Posted by Trevor Gay at July 20, 2008 3:37 PM

Bernhard and Dave,

You guys are right on. At the risk of seeming self-serving, I must admit membership in the two-percenters club. Witness this text, taken from an email to my SVP who had asked me to provide him a list of "Motivators," things I might like to receive for a job well done:

'Truth is Billy, I can’t work more or less than I already do, with more enthusiasm or passion. So these motivators will only be for the Jones’ to see. That is, others will see that you value me. I know my standards and my values, and they come from within. External motivators won’t help much, but I surely wouldn’t turn down perks that show you value my passion.'

For more along these lines, check out the idea of Appreciative Inquiry. Truly, so many companies and their so-called leaders miss the point entirely. Just a little appreciation goes a loooong way. Blue skies, Lark

Posted by Lark at July 21, 2008 11:52 AM

Lark – great comment and I loved your email to your boss!

A sincere handwritten thank you note from a customer, client or boss is often all it takes to turn a bad day into a good day – and it costs nothing. On the other hand I remember a few years back every member of staff on the NHS e-mail network (probably approaching one MILLION workers) ALL got a ‘Well done, thank you for all your work this year’ Christmas e-mail from the Secretary of State for Health.

Err … excuse me … which Business School did he go to that teaches that crap?

Posted by Trevor Gay at July 21, 2008 3:36 PM

Honestly, I can't agree to cherishing the pain in the ass. I actually subscribe to GE's way of getting rid the last 2 percentile if you may.

I also subscribe Gallup's approach of placing people where they do best, and maybe through some God given chance, they may just fair well in another role.

The real lesson is, to put aside your bias and allow them to start anew in their new role.

http://darkartsmanagement.blogspot.com

Posted by Catatonia Unlimited at July 23, 2008 8:14 AM