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StumblePublished Tuesday, June 26, 2007 | 1 p.m.
Updated Tuesday, April 28, 2009 | 11:36 a.m.
Welcome to the first installment of “The Heart of Business,” and welcome to my first web log. I jumped at the opportunity to write this blog for a variety of reasons, including my desire to share my thoughts on a more humanistic approach to business. I hope that this blog will stimulate dialogue from which we can all grow and learn as we manage our businesses in one of the most vibrant economies in the world–Las Vegas.
Many people who write columns and business books do so from an academic perspective. They teach the theory of business, and while that theory is valuable, many of them have never had to meet payroll, manage complex client engagements, hire or fire employees, or deal with the myriad issues that you do in your business every day.
I manage a 25-person consulting firm. That in itself doesn’t make me an expert in anything, but it will ensure that I’ll be writing from a practical viewpoint in lieu of an academic one. I’ve made my share of mistakes in business, but I’ve also had a good share of success as well.
What I’ve found over the years is that business is not about managing a static process–it’s not just about tooling up a machine and letting it run. Today’s business is all about engaging the hearts and souls of those with whom we work–our clients, co-workers, employees, and even our bosses.
My business works best when there are clear expectations, clear communication, and a strong passion for the assignment. If any of these aspects are lacking, the work doesn’t reach its potential.
Business is not about managing people. It’s about managing processes that engage people. Business is about creating a place where people can bring their whole selves to work–not just their minds and hands. Our businesses need people’s hearts and souls as well–and our employees and co-workers want to bring them to their work.
In the issues to follow, we will explore several areas in which we can infuse “heart” into our businesses. We’ll try experiments. Some will work, others will not. But together we will learn from each other.
Until next week….
Craig
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