When we do executive coaching, it’s clear that every CEO, business owner, or entrepreneur comes to us with the dream to build something. That’s the mission that drives companies from a kitchen table to a billion-dollar empire. Unfortunately, there’s one thing almost everyone forgets. It’s the reason why disengagement is up to 80% and turnover is the highest it’s been in decades. We forget that our companies are made up of people.

Each of those people has a dream, right? Everyone has hopes outside of work. But those hopes and dreams are often seen as liabilities to mitigate instead of assets to leverage. But think about this: If I could connect my job in accounting with my dream of learning to ski, how much more would I put into my job? If I knew my company was supportive of my dreams, how much more committed would I be to that company?

We work with business owners and help them implement a program called The Dream Employee that asks each employee the question: What are your dreams, goals and aspirations? 

It can make a huge impact in a company when employees know and are shown that you really care about them and what they care about. For example, when they run a marathon, maybe you make a fun video about it and send that out to customers and employees to celebrate their achievement. It’s so important to celebrate and acknowledge their wins with them as they achieve their dreams and goals. 

This isn’t just about being nice. When people are in the process of achieving their dreams, that’s where real productivity happens — that’s where growth and creativity and connection happens. A bonus can’t do that! A bonus can’t motivate your employees longer than a week. A bonus can’t drive connection amongst your team. As an employer, you can’t compete in this world anymore with just a paycheck. Employees want to live for a purpose, and if you can help give that to them, you’ll have the most motivated team of employees you could dream of. There’s nothing like purpose to drive your team towards real productivity and customer connection.

Everyone has to live and work in their own greatness. If you can harness and build that up, you can make a huge impact on your team. Together, you’ll have an even bigger impact on the world.

We’ve been talking about The Dream Employee quite a bit lately. If you want to know more and see how it would work in your company, just reach out to us and schedule a free consultation.