In the movie Criminal, Kevin Costner plays a convict whom the CIA chooses for an experimental procedure. With the help of a top neuroscientist and researcher, they “transplant” the memories of an operative killed in the field – with hopes of stopping a terrorist attack.
This has unintended consequences.
(The subject, a hardened killer named ‘Jericho’, forms an attachment for the dead agent’s wife and daughter for example.)
Initially, the procedure doesn’t completely “take”.
Jericho refuses to cooperate and escapes.
He “remembers” a bag of cash the CIA guy hid and goes on the hunt for it. Frustrated, the CIA talks to the doctor who performed the surgery. He tells them, “He’s fixated on this bag of money…show him how to get it and he’ll do anything you want.” They do, and he does, until the bad guys complicate the plot, of course.
Legendary motivator Zig Ziglar is famous for saying:
“You can have everything in life you want if you’ll just help other people get what they want.”
“You can have everything in life you want if you’ll just help other people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar Click To TweetWhat this scene in Criminal illustrates is…
Everything starts with KNOWING what other people want!
Let’s bring this back to employees. I’m a big fan of being present and spending time with employees. Many business people chafe at this. It’s time-consuming and doesn’t add value, they’ll argue. But I disagree.
I make it a policy to spend as much time as possible with my team.
I ask open-ended questions and listen. Not only does this help the person feel heard, but it opens a window into their inner world. It helps me know exactly what they need in order to do their best work.
It can work for you as well. Listen with the intent to understand your people better.
And help them get want they need to succeed.
You’ll know it’s working when you notice a pattern of employees going beyond the call of duty for you and your organization.
Speaking about helping other people get what they want…
If you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift this year, consider giving my Amazon bestselling book I Have The Watch. It distills best practices gleaned from 30 years of leading people in the military and corporate America.
If you follow this link, you can purchase a signed copy that I will personalize for the leader (or future leader) on your Christmas list.
Give the gift of learning this year!
