The Big Picture: Foster Connection

Do those you lead people to connect to your vision?  If you want to attract top talent you must stay focused on the bigger picture and foster a personal connection to the vision.  Here’s why…

Consider this: Do you care more about something you are doing or something others are doing? I know the question is a little vague – but go with me here. Let me restate the question: Do you care more about the renovation at your neighbor’s house or the plans to update your own home?

Here’s the point I’m trying to make: People don’t generally get as excited about what other people are doing as they do about something they are doing. If people in our organizations do not feel connected to the vision of our organization, any progress or accomplishments in this arena will create little passion, enthusiasm, energy, or satisfaction.

If your people feel disconnected from the vision this is bad news for the organization and your people – especially for Top Talent. Our research reveals their deeply held desire to make a difference. That’s why a Bigger Vision is one of the critical elements to create a Talent Magnet.

So, if you are trying to create a place that attracts Top Talent, what is the leader’s responsibility? Here’s how we begin to answer this question in the Talent Magnet Field Guide…

A vision is of no value unless people know it. But, let’s face it, there is something more important than knowing. For a vision to move people to action, they must feel personally connected to it. Vision-driven organizations create stakeholders who share the quest. That’s why a leader has the responsibility to Foster Connection.

Research shows that top performers want to make a difference in the world, and therefore, they desire meaningful work that creates impact beyond products and profits. Your job as a leader is to ensure team members know their daily actions matter to the bigger picture and leave no doubt the work they do on a daily basis fuels the accomplishment of the vision. You must help them connect the dots.

As the leader, you cannot delegate the vision. Your responsibility is to continually clarify, protect, and model the way forward. If you are diligent, your best people will become ambassadors of impact and your influence will spread. Additionally, your company will become a place where others want to be a part of the movement.

If you really want to attract great talent, be sure your existing team feels a real and personal connection to the vision