Wag More, Bark Less

"Wag More, Bark Less" read a bumper sticker I noticed the other day. Great advice for organizations as well as dogs and people. Too often, organizational leaders don't realize how their actions are shaped by negative (as well as erroneous) assumptions about people. When they believe people need to be managed, monitored, and motivated, their distrust comes through in everything they say and do. And they often find plenty of evidence around them that "their people" live down to their low expectations.

My experience--and the evidence of the highest regarded researchers--is just the opposite: the vast majority of people want to do meaningful work. They want to know their contribution to the whole is needed and appreciated. They want to know what is expected of them, and want the authority, resources, and skills to succeed. They want to do what they do best every day, and be compensated fairly.

If the people in your organization don't seem to be giving their all, perhaps you should wag more and bark less.