The Customer Always Comes Second.

This year has been a whirlwind. One thing entrepreneurship has taught me is that you can have a plan, but hold it loosely. If you hold too tight, you miss opportunities. If you hold too loose, you wind up chasing bright shining objects and falling down rabbit holes. I will admit to doing both.  But when I hit that sweet spot of holding on just enough, it's the best feeling in the world.

The way I hold my grip is to remember why I started and what I stand for. At my very core, I stand for those closest to the work. Whether I'm helping leaders create cultures where employee's can thrive or whether I am coaching teams to work better together, I am standing for workers.  When I play a part in helping organizations and individuals do great, meaningful work, I know I am in alignment with what I am meant to do. I don't need it to be easy (and neither do you by the way). I just need it to be possible. I need it to be possible to create places where people love to go to work and where they do their best work. 

The truth is, if employees love the organization, it shows. It shows in the way they treat clients, and it shows in seeing them become brand ambassadors for the organization they love. When you take care of your employees, they take less time off, they come in early and stay late.  They bring customers in and want to give their best. If you want happy, satisfied customers, start with your employees. Listen to them. Empower them. Ask them questions.  Ask them for answers. Instead of an "Employee Appreciation Day", create a culture of appreciation that exists everyday. Instead of an  "Employee Barbeque" feed your employees what they are really hungry for: a sense of purpose.

What do you stand for? Why do you do the work you do?