Getting People to STAY | Simon Sinek

Summary

The transcript discusses how loving one’s job doesn't require liking it every day. It emphasizes that personal growth and emotional loyalty play a key role in job satisfaction, beyond financial incentives. Companies that invest in human skills, not just hard skills, foster a culture where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. The example of WD-40 is highlighted, where managers are trained as coaches to help employees grow. The shift in modern expectations means employees seek a sense of belonging, community, and purpose at work, making holistic benefits more enticing than just the job itself.

Takeaways

• 😊 We don't have to like our jobs every day, but we can love them consistently, similar to how we love our children even on difficult days.
• 💼 The decision to stay or leave a job is often based on how we feel about the job, not just financial incentives.
• 💰 People who are loyal to a company may turn down higher-paying offers, or if tempted, they communicate with their employer to find a way to stay.
• 👂 Employees stay when they feel seen and heard by their company.
• 📈 The best companies provide growth opportunities for individuals, which helps them grow both personally and professionally.
• 🛠 Skills such as listening and communication, often labeled as 'soft skills,' are essential for both work and personal life, and should be treated as 'human skills.'
• 💡 Investing in employees' human skills, alongside hard skills, contributes to their personal and professional growth.
• 🎯 Some companies, like WD-40, train managers to be coaches, helping their teams overcome challenges and grow individually.
• 🌍 The younger generation expects more from companies, such as a sense of belonging, community, and personal growth, beyond just financial compensation.
• 🏢 Companies should attract talent not only by the job description but by promoting the holistic experience and growth opportunities employees will receive.

Q & A

What is the speaker's view on job satisfaction?

The speaker believes that we don't have to like our jobs every day, but we can love our jobs every day, much like how we love our children even on difficult days.

Why do people stay or leave their jobs according to the speaker?

People stay or leave their jobs based on how they feel about the job. If they feel loyal to the company, they may turn down higher-paying offers.

What happens when someone receives a tempting job offer with a higher salary?

When someone receives a high-paying offer, they may go to their current employer and discuss it, seeking support to stay rather than immediately leaving for the money.

What factor is most important in making employees feel valued?

The most important factor in making employees feel valued is being seen and heard within the company.

How do the best companies help their employees grow?

The best companies offer programs that help employees grow as individuals, teaching them valuable skills that improve both their professional and personal lives.

What are 'human skills' according to the speaker, and why are they important?

Human skills, sometimes referred to as 'soft skills,' are essential because they help individuals grow personally and professionally. The speaker prefers the term 'human skills' as they complement 'hard skills.'

How does WD-40 support employee development?

WD-40 trains its managers to be coaches, providing executive coaching skills to help them support their employees with challenges.

What is different about the expectations of younger generations in the workplace?

The younger generation expects companies to provide more than just a job. They seek a sense of belonging, community, personal growth, and purpose from their work.

How can companies attract new employees beyond just offering a job role?

Companies can attract new employees by focusing on the holistic experience they offer, such as growth opportunities and a supportive environment, rather than just the specific role or job function.

Why is it important for companies to focus on both hard skills and human skills?

It is important for companies to focus on both hard and human skills because combining these makes employees feel like they are growing as individuals, making them more loyal and engaged in their work.