A Joosr Guide to… Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

Happy workers are far more valuable than those who are motivated by fear.

You can empower your employees in the same way. Give them the right training and then let them take responsibility for their work. The idea is to delegate tasks and divide the power so that it doesn’t all rest with you. This could mean letting someone else run meetings while you simply participate, allowing others to take charge of an important account and only providing guidance when necessary, or even just handing over the keys to the supply closet so staff don’t have to ask permission each time they need something.

Employees who feel empowered to make decisions will work harder and feel happier in their jobs. Let others lead—it will only add to your company’s overall success.

He turned the crew into leaders, into responsible decision-makers rather than followers, giving up much of the control to which he was accustomed. Rather than simply issue orders, he made each individual accountable for the ship’s success and ensured that every person was equipped with appropriate training and knowledge.

mpower others to take action and they will help you to succeed

In order for a business to succeed, it is essential that those in charge give away some of their decision-making power to others. Without the power to exercise judgment and take action where they think appropriate, staff simply cannot work effectively.

It has been proven that people perform best when they feel like what they do has an impact: giving employees authority over their responsibilities is vital.

Today it’s all about pleasing the shareholders and increasing profit, often at the cost of employee satisfaction and the quality of service provided to customers, contrary to what would be best for the business in the long term. However, people are far more important than numbers, and by making people your priority, you can achieve a stability that will allow your company to stand the test of time.

Focus on people rather than profits to achieve long-term stability

There are five chemicals that matter when it comes to human action and reaction. Endorphins and dopamine are “selfish” chemicals, which enable us to get things done, but in excess can be damaging to the success of a business. Endorphins mask physical pain, allowing us to push through demanding situations, for example helping a marathon runner to continue on to the end of a grueling race. Meanwhile, dopamine provides us with a feeling of satisfaction when we achieve what we set out to do—when we complete a certain task or reach a deadline. Too much of both can result in us focusing solely on our own personal needs, instead of working with others to achieve a common goal.

Serotonin and oxytocin are “selfless” chemicals that incentivize us to work with our colleagues as a team. Serotonin gives us pride and self-confidence; it is released when others admire us. This validation of our abilities and worth makes us feel stable and confident, so we find it far easier to work positively and collaboratively in a group. Oxytocin is linked to friendship, trust, and love. It enables easy cooperation between people because it drives us to be kind and generous to others.

Finally, there is the “stressful” chemical, cortisol, which generates feelings of fear or panic in those who feel like they are in danger. Most employees today suffer the consequences of too much cortisol, which negatively damages health and makes working effectively near on impossible.

When you invest time and effort into your employees, you will be rewarded with complete dedication and unparalleled levels of performance. Lead effectively and inspirationally, encourage community values, promote happiness, and establish trust: these are the fundamental principles that will allow your company to thrive.

Build trust by acting with integrity and always telling the truth

Inspire employees by showing them the impact their work has in the world