To tighten a bolt you must make it or physically force it to move, first with your fingers and later use a wrench to apply torque.

The wonderful thing about people is that they will move all by themselves and will actually move much faster and easier if you enable and motivate them. With people, forcing or torque-ing damages long term effectiveness. Their threads are easily stripped.

Isn't that the difference between coercion and inspiration? Coerced performance is second rate, at best, and is not sustainable. Coerced people initially perform but eventually quit, either mentally, spiritually or literally. Sustained, peak performance can not be coerced. Greatness comes from inspiration. Inspired organizations attract peak performers. Coerced organizations repel them.

If you were choosing an investment, in which kind of an organization would you prefer to invest; coerced or inspired?  If you are a business owner, you make that decision daily. 

Tom Lemanski of Vista Development serves as business catalyst and executive coach in the strategic development of SMARTer, executives, managers and  sales professionals.

Email your comments and feedback to: feedback@vista-development.com

© 2003 Vista Development  •  Kildeer, IL 60047  |  Library of Congress: ISSN 1551-4633