Many studies have shown that most successful business operations have at least the following key traits:  a) flat leadership structure; b) engaged leaders; c) risk taking is encouraged;  d) close contact with clients; e) high accountability for profit;  f) clearly articulated vision, mission and culture; and, g) people development is a foundational high priority.  With people development being a foundational high priority, how does one who holds the title of business owner, leader, manager or chief executive direct, influence or coordinate the process so that their people achieve their true potential?

Here are 10 key actions that will provide the pathway which can enable people potential to be achieved:

1)  Build relationships not associations. Just saying hello to people and going about your work will not build a relationship.  That is basically an association.  You must do more to grow a relationship.  Apply the Golden Rule of “…treating others as you yourself would want to be treated.”  Respect the individuality of people.  Learn the person and you will gain the trust you need to build the performer you demand for your business.

2)  Display empathy.  Remember, a team is not a group that thinks alike but one that thinks together.  Ask for opinions.  Keep an open mind and realize other people have solid ideas to contribute which can make a positive difference in potential results.

3)  Walk your talk.  Actions do speak louder than any words.  People have a tendency to follow what they see versus what they hear.  Become the model for your business operation and don’t be afraid to “get your hands dirty” in the work process along the way.

4)  Expect much.  The old saying that “…a job worth doing is worth doing well” has great bearing in business.  Always have an atmosphere of high expectations.  Developing a culture of winning  and achievement is key to actually being able to win and achieve. Explaining the why of high expectation is paramount to building the mental desire that must exist. People perform to the level of expectation. Asking for high performance is part of the process. 

5)  Recognize achievement.  Too often great work and achievement goes unnoticed.  “Thank you” is perhaps the most under utilized power phrase that exists in the world.  Use it.  Also, being creative in other forms of recognition will be key to having success continue.  Whether that be monetary in nature or publicized in some form or manner, find out what works with your people and then utilize that process to insure people know that great work will be noticed.

6)  Do not accept continued poor performance.  Shortfalls will occur even with the most capable people.  Understand that; but, you must not allow continuous shortfalls to become a routine.  Establish standards and explain why those standards must be met.  Work with people to overcome the reason or reasons for shortfalls and expect improvement.  When that is not evident even after diligent work to improve, then for the betterment of the business and individual, you must make a change.  Complacency about taking action is not an asset. 

7)  Inspect.  Remember, the checker gets what the checker checks.  Your interest in following up on issues or processes will show that the work is important and does matter.  Once that is conveyed and understood, prudent people will address their tasks with high urgency.

8)  Learn patience.  As we all have heard, “Rome was not built in a day.”  Growth takes time.  Growth and achieving excellence takes practice and also “battle proven” work to perfect. Set a reasonable timetable to follow that has come forth from prior experience. Patience builds character and great character is a foundational asset in achieving lasting success.

9)  Be ethically strong.  It has been said, “…if you can’t look your mom or grandma directly in the eyes and explain why you are doing something, perhaps you need to rethink your actions.”  Being ethically strong is doing what must be done when no one is looking.  It is being truthful regardless of the circumstances.  It is building goodwill by your actions and being fair in your application.  It is also acting and performing in a manner that is beneficial to all affected parties.  There is no “gray area” with ethical conduct.  Once integrity is sacrificed for gain, you have lost the future.  The end in no way justifies the means. When people understand and see ethical demands in practice, they too will be more likely to practice the same.

10)  Establish processes not projects.  Having established ways of doing things will help build good interactional habits.  The more people understand the how and can fully explain, “…that is the way we do things around here…” the better they can perform.  When processes are used, systems can materialize which benefit everyone.  When you are jumping from one project to another, instability takes control and people can easily become confused on what must be done.  Continually work what works and you will find that people will work more effectively.

How are you building your foundational pillar of people development?  How are you helping people reach their potential?  Instill in others a desire to excel.  Maintain optimism to help people overcome fears and self-limitations.  Keep your value system strong and know what makes people enjoy stretching beyond their apparent abilities.  People matter; and, how you grow their potential will greatly impact the results you achieve today and for the future.