What They Heard

Two employees quit.

I thought I was inspiring.

I was creating fear.

When I said, “If we can’t do better, we’ll be out of business,” I thought I was lighting a fire.

What they heard was, “We’re going out of business.”

They panicked—and left.

This was 10 years ago.

Lesson learned: Be transparent—but be careful how you share.

There’s a world of difference between:

• “We need to grow to strengthen the company.”
  vs.
• “If we don’t grow, people will lose their jobs.”

One inspires action.
The other triggers fear.

Speak with the mindset you want your team to have.

Back then, I didn’t.

Now, I do.