By Gary Cohen on June 01st, 2012

Finding Shared Interests

We like people like ourselves–people who do and think about and value similar things. I remember reading a long time ago that a dentist in India often has more in common with a dentist in the United States than they do with either of their neighbors. At first I wondered how true that was until I met some folks in the call center business from France, Canada, China, and India and found many connection points. We had a lot to talk about, and it wasn’t hard to imagine how, under different circumstances, we would have enjoyed working together.

When leading an organization or building an effective team, it is critical to connect all the players to a common or shared interests. If you’re uncertain what these shared interests are, ask, “What do my employees want that I can also want for them?”

Where are you and your employees most productive?

Executive Coaching Tip: Are employees people or objects?

Few Employees Turn To Boss For Advice

About the Author

Gary Cohen is a highly-skilled Executive Coach, Leadership Author, Trainer, and International Keynote Speaker. His clients range from entrepreneurial CEOs of the nation’s fastest-growing companies to executives of global 100 companies. He differentiates himself from traditional (psycho/therapeutic) executive coaches by bringing a vast amount of business experience as a former Founder / President of one the Nation’s Fastest growing companies. He is the author of Just Ask Leadership: Why Great Managers Always Ask the Right Questions (McGraw Hill). Gary B. Cohen Full Bio

Freida Harper

What do my employees want that I can also want for them

Mr. Cohen,

I believe the answer to the question is simple. Employees need strong and effective leadership. Most people model what they see or adopt behaviors from others. If the leadership is dedicated and committed to a vision and mission, with trustworthiness,sincerity, knowledge, communication, and interpersonal skills, this is what the people need and the leadership should provide for its employees. As an employee in the school system with a Masters in Educational Leadership, to fulfill wants can bring issues and concerns for management. Professional organizations are to be guided by standards, goals, and objectives that are directives for providing employees with learning opportunities to produce a quality product for the success of the organization. The question should be re-stated, What do my employees need to accomplish and how can I provide them with the resources and services for success of the organization? Everyone has a want, but is it a method or strategy for ongoing improvement to promote quality services for its recipients?
- http://co2partners.com/blog Gary B Cohen
  
  Interesting perspective. The concept I am addressing is a little different. The world has changed and the notion of what you need from your employees has long past gone. In organizational life it is all about finding the alignment of the organizational needs, wants and desires and those of the employee. Without this alignment leaders become frustrated and employees either quit or become apathetic. Wondering what your experience has been?
  - Freida Harper
    
    Wow, then I have been working to hard!
    - http://co2partners.com/blog Gary B Cohen
      
      I think so! Relax and carry the weight together!