In the business world, everyone talks about how to inspire loyalty and energy in people. Research shows that loyalty is linked with the feeling of kinship with company values, a reflection of ideals and the opportunity to join in.  Engaging with life’s challenges through charitable actions draws people together.

In many ways, the head of a company is also its heart. People look to them when they want to envision what their company stands for.  While it helps to say that a company will donate money to a charity – it makes a big difference to put your own name behind it.  It means even more when you take that extra step and make it your goal to help others give more of themselves.

Aspire to inspire

The best kind of leader is one who leads by example.  That is the kind of person that I hope to be.  My commitment to Baycrest is about maintaining high expectations for myself and my staff.  When you believe in others, you give them something to live up to, and you would be surprised at how they rise to those expectations. In a profound way, you empower them to be more than they think they are.  Setting an example of what you expect is the first piece of the morale puzzle.

Earn loyalty by learning what matters

Giving back brings us closer to each other.  If you interact with people only while they’re at work, you only engage one small part of them; but when you invite them to share something meaningful from another part of their lives, you get to know them on an entirely new level, and that is how you earn loyalty. That engagement – that interest is so important.  Working together, and sharing accomplishments that do good things for the community creates a sense of pride, and that satisfaction leads to a healthier, happier workspace.  

When you love what you do, and feel fulfilled, going to work is a joy. Creating a workspace that supports this just makes sense.