What are most people really striving for at work?

I’m an absolute Olympics fanatic, and I can tell you what most employees want is NOT a gold medal.

I was struck with that idea in a short video from Verne Harnish, where he points out that the vast majority of Olympians don’t realistically expect to stand on the podium with a medal around their neck.

Most of those athletes have been on a decades-long journey just to get to the “big show” and represent their country. And when they get there, they’re striving for something more meaningful and more powerful than a medal:Their personal best.

That idea translates directly to the workplace, and it points to a core responsibility for any leaders who wants to get the most from what people are willing and able to contribute.

Most employees aren’t looking to be “Employee of the Month.” They don’t need a spotlight or a trophy. What they want is the opportunity to do their best work … to support success … and to know they’re making a difference toward something meaningful for themselves and the rest of the team.

That premise goes to the heart of my mission—To help organizations create a high-performance culture of trust where people are inspired and supported to do their best work and be their best selves.

I’ve seen it time and again with clients. When you put simple, consistent routines in place that tap people's talents outside their "job box"—like structured team improvement huddles—people step up. They engage. They solve problems. They find better ways. And they take pride in achieving their own version of “personal best.”

Not just once in a while on a random basis, but continuously as part of their day-to-day work.

If you want to give the people on your team what they need to strive for their personal best… let’s talk!

Begin your improvement journey today!

Getting better at getting better.