Mark Harbeke

One of the most recent blogs I've added to my Google Reader feed is thoughtLEADERS, LLC. Written by Mike Figliuolo, his military background comes across, I think, in his in-your-face writing style.

Figliuolo's latest post from today is on "4 Leadership Trends You Can’t Afford to Miss." Number 3 on his list is saying people are your most valuable resource. I agree with the author when he writes,

This is one of the emptiest statements I regularly hear organizations espouse. When someone says this, I ask one penetrating question: can you show me the actions that back up that statement? Befuddled faces follow.

Saying people are valuable and showing they’re valuable are two very different things. The statement looks great on a recruiting brochure but if you’re not backing it up with action, your associates will quickly figure that out and head for greener pastures.

This is so true, as I've written about here a few times. To be and remain competitive on everything from sales to retention, leaders should put matching reality to stated intent when it comes to their employee engagement activities high up on their to-do list. In other words, walk the talk.

If you feel your company does this well, you should apply for our 2010 Top Small Company Workplaces competition with Inc. magazine. Hurry, the application deadline is January 11, 2010.