Dressed in matching camo hoodies, we had the truck packed up with snacks and fishing gear. It was a sunny spring morning, and we had just eaten oatmeal and bacon. We were ready to catch ALL the trout. But just as we pulled out of the driveway, something didn’t feel right. Rats! A flat tire … I got out of the truck and walked around to discover a huge bolt poking through the rear right tire of my Tundra. As disappointed as I was, I must admit I was thrilled to teach my 4- and 5-year-old boys how to fix it. We took everything out of the back seat of the truck, including the kid car seats, and got to work. Finding Joy in Flat Tires
It was snack time. The boys ate jerky and watched me. Once the truck was up on the jack, they had to stay behind the curb to stay safe.
In business, I’ve found that some of the most rewarding moments are not things I’ve done myself but, instead, the times I’ve seen my staff or clients getting results on their own implementing something I’ve taught them. Although this threw a lug wrench in our plans and we didn’t make it out as planned, I hope my kids remember this day when they are changing a flat tire someday.
The fish got lucky this time, but we’ll be back on the water soon.
CONNECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES TO YOUR MISSION Making Your Passions Their Passions
Speak passionately about it. While you want the mission itself to be exciting, even the most intriguing of mission statements will be DOA if your delivery doesn’t convey your excitement. Humans are emotional creatures, so connecting with your employees emotionally in regard to your mission is just as important as the mission itself. Make it personal. While you might think tying your personal story to the company’s mission seems narcissistic, the truth is that your team wants to hear your story. People like stories, and if you can convey yours with honesty and humility, no one will think you’re an egoist. Re-work it. If your mission doesn’t seem to be inspiring passion in your workforce, then maybe it’s time to tweak it a little bit. Whether you’re just starting in business or have had the same mission statement for 10 years, a new mission lived out, made clear, and made personal by you can spark a newfound appreciation for your business among your employees.
Your business might be doing well, but if your workforce doesn’t feel any sort of personal connection to your business’s mission, that could prevent lasting success. You want to boost employee morale and make them happy about their work. To reinvigorate your employees’ passion for your business’s mission, try a few of these tips. Walk the talk. Patagonia CEO Yvon Chouinard decided to make his products out of organic cotton after he saw how industrially grown cotton was hurting the environment. It cost more to do that, but he stuck to Patagonia’s mission of creating environmentally friendly products. If you’re not willing to sacrifice for your mission, then it’s not your mission — and your employees will know it. Make it clear. Make sure everyone at your company knows exactly what your mission is. Only when employees have a clear understanding of the goal can they actually abide by it. If your mission statement can be interpreted in multiple ways, clarify it throughout all levels of your business.
See Ramblin Jackson's Mission at ramblinjackson.com/about/
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