Paragon Performance Evolution

04/22/2024

What your employees really want (hint: it's not just a paycheck):

Many leaders assume that the best way to attract and retain top performers is with bigger paychecks and flashier perks.

Big checks may get talent in the door….

But they won’t lead to retention or happiness.

Once people's basic financial needs are met, other factors become much more predictive of employee motivation and loyalty.

So what do employees really want?

It boils down to a few key ingredients:

Purpose and meaning - a sense that their work matters and contributes to something larger than themselves.

Belonging and connection - genuine relationships and a feeling of being accepted and valued for who they are.

Psychological safety - confidence they can show up as themselves and not be judged or punished.

Autonomy and flexibility - the trust and freedom to work in ways that suit their strengths and lifestyles.

Recognition and appreciation - regular feedback and acknowledgement of their efforts and impact.

People want to feel seen, supported, and inspired.

They want to know that their work has meaning, and that their unique talents are being put to good use.

They want to feel like they're part of something special, and that their contributions are celebrated.

As a leader, your job is to create an environment where these intrinsic motivators can thrive.

When you focus on these deeper drivers of motivation, you tap into a wellspring of discretionary effort and loyalty.

People will go above and beyond, not because they have to, but because they want to.

So don't just throw money at the problem of engagement.

Invest in the intangible (but oh-so-powerful) currencies of purpose, belonging, safety, autonomy, and appreciation.

Your employees - and your bottom line - will thank you.

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What do your employees truly want (other than a big salary)?
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Brett WeinrothJeffrey Robert Benton

04/21/2024

The leadership paradox that's sabotaging your culture:

There's a strange phenomenon we've observed in many organizations:

Leaders who say all the right things about culture, but struggle to embody those ideals in their daily behaviors.

They extol the virtues of transparency, but make decisions behind closed doors.

They praise risk-taking, but punish any hint of failure.

They champion diversity, but surround themselves with people who look and think just like them.

This leadership paradox - the gap between stated values and lived experience - is one of the biggest threats to building a strong, healthy culture.

Because here's the thing: Culture is caught, not taught.

No matter how inspiring your speeches or how well-crafted your value statements, people will always look to leadership actions to understand what really matters.

And when there's a mismatch between word and deed?

It breeds cynicism, mistrust, and disengagement.

People start to roll their eyes at the company Kool-Aid.

They keep their heads down and their real selves hidden.

As a leader, your first and most important job is to embody the culture you want to create. This means:

Practicing radical self-awareness. Notice your own tendencies and triggers, especially under stress. Where are you falling short of your ideals?

Seeking out feedback. Ask trusted colleagues or coaches to reflect back what they're observing. Listen with curiosity, not defensiveness.
Communicating with authenticity.

Remember - teams mirror leaders.

Don’t tell them how to act.

Act how you want them to act.

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Who is aligning actions with words this year?
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Jeffrey Robert BentonBrett Weinroth

02/28/2024

The Paragon Performance Evolution team has had the privilege of partnering with Chicago Youth Centers on a two-year program centered on Optimal Performance and Growth Mindset. The true impact of our collaboration was evident when members of the C*C team were faced with extraordinary circumstances during a campus lockdown due to a live shooter threat.

02/28/2024

02/20/2024

Our recent feature in Forbes, highlighted in the article "Elevating Entrepreneurial Success: Understanding The 7 Key States," shed light on crucial leadership qualities including creativity and innovation. Yet, at the heart of it all lies a crucial skill the article didn't mention... https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/paragon-pulse-7137568871485485056/

02/16/2024

Take a moment to reach coherence with us.

1. Pause. Let your mind fall away from your responsibilities and focus your attention in the area of your heart.
2. Take slow deep breaths. Imagine you are breathing in and out through your heart space.
3. Cultivate a renewing emotion. Recall a time where you were feeling joy, gratitude or calm. Let this renewing emotion radiate through every molecule of your being.
4. Take inventory of how your mind and body are feeling. Enjoy the benefits.

Thanks for with us. Have a beautiful Friday.