At the heart of many organizations lies a paradox: the need to balance employee engagement with real-world results. Engagement scores often resemble a popularity contest. They ask, “Do you like your job? Is your boss fun?” But here’s the kicker: chasing these scores can lead to mediocrity. They cater to the lowest common denominator, amplifying the voices of those least satisfied.
The Real Measure of Leadership
Throughout my 35-year career, whether working with Citibank executives, Canadian federal teams, or taking adventurous souls across the Himalayas, I’ve learned that the true measure of leadership isn’t about keeping people happy. It’s about making them self-sufficient and driven to reach their goals. The real magic unfolds when adversity is turned into a bonding experience, propelling people towards shared objectives, not rescue missions.
The Trap of the Lowest Common Denominator
Picture yourself in the Himalayas. Ten days to Everest Base Camp. No ropes, just grit. When one trekker falters, blaming boots and pining for home, the team rallies support. This rallying breeds resentment; it empowers the unprepared to dictate the pace, and soon, you’re stuck sipping tea in Kathmandu. In the business world, this represents the pitfall of letting engagement scores rule leadership. These scores give power to the least motivated, holding companies back.
The Bondi Beach Philosophy
So, how do you break the cycle? It all stems from the inner fire. At Bondi Beach, we don’t compromise. We teach that lasting change isn’t bought with corporate perks but ignited by personal inspiration. True alignment happens when an individual’s inner glow matches the company’s vision, leading to authentic and robust growth.
Coaches Not Lifeguards: Leading with Courage
In the Himalayas, my solution for stragglers was simple: find your fire within 24 hours or face a flight home. Most rose to the challenge, discovered a deeper drive within them, and achieved their goals. The same principle applies in business. You must coach your team to be accountable for their own inspiration or cut them loose. It’s not harsh—it’s honesty.
Building Unstoppable Teams
Leadership is not about compromise; it’s about inspiration from within. If you want engagement, inspire your people. If you want results, lead with courage. Coach them up or coach them out. This is what will forge teams that are alive, aligned, and unstoppable.
From the cliffs at Bondi Beach, where the waves never compromise, take this message to heart: you’ve got this. Lead with courage, enhance that inner glow, and make every day beautiful.
Remember, as Chris Walker shares, lasting change—and the secret to successful leadership—doesn’t come from shallow corporate tricks. It comes from the authentic, internal inspiration that aligns seamlessly with a company’s vision. You too can harness this, build dynamic teams, and achieve extraordinary results.