Do you live on the East Coast?  Don't miss our LEADERSHIP Essentials Academy at Mainstay Technologies in Belmont, New Hampshire on June 5-6.  Our workshop will be a great learning experience for you, and the Mainstay folks are an example of a best-in-class firm.

It's only $295 per person for our Academy members.  Join here.

Is it fair that I start my newsletter with that reminder?

As leaders we have to be careful how we behave.  That last word you spoke or action you took, was it fair? Most people would respond, "Yes," without thinking... but are they correct?

According to the book, Your Brain At Work, fairness is a need of our brains.  If we start to focus on fairness, then we judge it everywhere.  Fairness can often be more important than money to our brains, and therefore is a big motivator.

BUT...  but we rarely hold ourselves to the same standard.

Many people, especially our employees when we are not fully engaging them, can be upset because they assume they are being treated unfairly or there is a threat to their status.

For instance, employees might incorrectly believe they are...

• Underpaid
• Overworked
• Not appreciated
• Given less benefits than other firms provide
• Managed too strictly

Intentional 3Strands leaders are consistent in helping employees understand how they are doing meaningful work and that they are appreciated.  These leaders are also transparent.

Employees with 3Strands Leaders typically feel their management practices and company policies overall are very fair.  They are happy and thankful to work there.

What do you think that does to their self-motivation and productivity? And how do your employees feel?

HINT:  An employee's opinion may not be fair, but it is a true feeling.  One of your responsibilities as a leader is to consider what is true and then make a decision about what is "the right thing to do."

I suggest the place to start is with what your employees are thinking, even if you believe they are wrong.  Next, you have to figure out what to do about it because if your employees feel you are not fair, then you are losing tens of thousands of dollars annually.