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"Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard."
Kevin Durant
The very definition of "work" has changed. It's in part generational (Gen Z & Millenials vs. Boomers and the Gen X'er's are caught in the middle) and in a big way it's all about Covid.
The younger work force pushed their elders to a greater work/life balance, working for the greater good and more me less us. Then along comes Covid and suddenly working remotely is a beautiful thing embraced by both generations. The evolution continues and here's where we put the proverbial icing on the cake.
A recent survey by the brainiacs at Forbes asked workers to rank the three most important things for their careers. You may be surprised...
- #3: Salary - it doesn't matter unless #2 and #1 are in place
- #2: Security - can I go to work knowing my employer is not going to be sold, change direction and management or find their CEO has been indicted for fraud, racism or something sexist?
- #1: Wellness - mental and/or physical the 20 to 30 somethings and a few 40 somethings are not well equipped to handle the pressures boomers like me think of as every day living.
Enter...a new title to add to the org chart and budget henceforth known as: Director of Wellness. Expect to see a spiritual nurse coach whose role will span the enterprise. It's likely they'll have a degree in Psychology with a minor in Healthcare (?) and a personal style of highly empathetic coaching. They'll be known for listening with the intent of understanding, not just hearing and cautiously straddle the tight rope of loyalty to the business and to the people who make things happen.
You'll need an acrobat to create a harmony between what's best for the business with what's best for the people. Making the decision will likely mean a few sleepless nights. Trying to satisfy both is potential career suicide - you'll be seen as two-faced, indecisive and maybe even downright obsequious.
One can't live without the other. No business, no people. No people, no business. Personally, I'm torn between two lovers. As an archetype capitalist I tend to be bull headed and lean in to the business. As the Headhunter With A Heart, I'll naturally vote for what the people want.
But at the end of the day...it gets dark. The most valuable part of your "inventory" goes home. I'll bet my last dollar that if you asked any world class operator they would tell you that if you treat your people well they will treat your customers well.
"I'll have the humble pie, ala mode please..." and defer to the operators as I work quietly in the background building the NEW tools and resources that first tier of customers I live to serve needs for their success.
It's then and only then that everyone wins.
Of course, this is only my opinion, but it's one I value highly.
