Developing passionate ownership and buy-in is an elusive target for most employers. But proven world-class leaders have found a way to engage their employees and customers in a way that gets consistent results.
This approach requires going beyond the typical “Values and Vision” routine. The very best companies set themselves apart by going beyond merely knowing about their employees and customers, to genuinely understanding them on a deeper level – to the point of actually being able to anticipate their wants.
One of the Five Essential Customer Needs is to “belong and contribute.” People have a deeply-ingrained need to be part of a group. The desire for inclusion in a group is magnified if the purpose of that group is significant. Few organizations accomplish this sense of community and belonging for their customers better than Whole Foods Market.
It’s no mistake that Whole Foods has ranked in Fortune magazine’s “Top 100 Places to Work” list every year for the last 15 years. Whole Food’s commitment to “healthy food and healthy planet” goes beyond simply being a nice corporate goal – it has become a cause that people passionately rally behind. The innovative way that Whole Foods connects with local communities is just one way that sets them apart as different and better. Using hands-on, low-cost methods to engage people in deeply meaningful ways becomes a catalyst for organic (pardon the pun) growth - which continues as long as your cause is relevant and valued.
Contributing to a cause that is bigger than you is a way to leave a legacy, and providing a place for others to work towards a compelling cause will build deep loyalty – on behalf of both customers and employees.
Help build your customer’s future and, together, you will build your company’s.