Love Will Transform the Way We Work in 2017

My family will tell you that I am not an overly effusive person. But I do get a bit emotional when I think about what people can accomplish when they work together. And right now, more than ever, we need people to work together. We need to remind each other of what is possible when we cast aside our perceived differences.

When will we remember that we have almost everything in common? It is about time we shake off the tired rhetoric -- both political and professional -- that pits us against each other.

Now, I know I cannot control whether those of us in the U.S. will find common ground. Or whether other countries will choose inclusion or isolation. But I can ensure that my company remains devoted to learning, incredible effort, and -- most importantly -- dignity. I can control my impact on what type of a workplace it is for myself and others.

And I can choose kindness.

People are the most important resource for any business. And people — whether they are employees, vendors, or customers — respond best to kindness, respect, humility, and empathy. Most of all, people respond to love.

That is why love is the one emotion that businesses can no longer afford to ignore. This is obvious, but not well-appreciated.

I am not talking about wearing a “free hugs” shirt at the office. My argument for love is borne out of research and studies and my own experience. A 2015 survey by Gallup showed that employee engagement -- defined as “having an opportunity to do what they do best each day, having someone at work who encourages their development, and believing their opinions count at work” -- has flatlined since 2000. The financial cost of all these discouraged, unloved people? Between $450 and $550 billion per year in the U.S. alone.

When we are under stress, we feel threatened. And many of us are under great stress. A study from the American Psychological Association showed that major causes of stress include the lack of opportunities for growth and advancement -- and that 20 percent of all respondents reported average daily stress levels at 8, 9, or 10 on a 10-point scale.

Some people are shouldering serious stress at work and toil in difficult conditions with mean-spirited bosses and unhelpful colleagues. They have little support in their desires to grow. Many others are under financial pressures and because we cannot separate life and work others are experiencing real challenges when they leave the office too. You never know what people are going through. Whatever the cause, that stress takes a toll -- in life and in business.

That is why work should be a refuge and a safe zone. Effort and relationships should be cherished. Because when everyone feels valued and heard, they are more likely to bring their best to each day.

I believe most people are naturally optimistic, motivated to be better tomorrow than we are today. A kind organization understands that essential human quality and leverages it. Companies looking to innovate know that to achieve anything great, a workplace filled with people who genuinely care for and respect one another is the best way. It is a boon to business.

Love gives you competitive advantage. It offers success without the collateral damage of “business is war” thinking.

Love opposes isolation. It is in opposition to the "zero sum game" mentality that forces business leaders to stomp on each other, grabbing what they think will disappear if it is not in their fists. It is the opposite of insults and closed-mindedness.

The idea that only egomaniacs can produce breakthrough innovations and companies is nonsense. If your goal is to offer a meaningful product or service that lasts, you must also build a work environment and a fabric of relationships that are enduring. People will remain engaged and focused on achieving when they are doing something meaningful -- something that they care about -- in an organization that provides encouragement and demands respect for all.

Caring and a sense of purpose evoke better performance than pressure and fear. That is not just good for business -- it is good for life.

Loving kindness is the best path to growth. And the companies that will thrive in 2017 will be defined by it.

How is your company embracing love?

ABOUT BRIAN AND AHA!

Brian seeks business and wilderness adventure. He has been the founder or early employee of six cloud-based software companies and is the CEO of Aha! -- the world's #1 product roadmap software. His last two companies were acquired by Aruba Networks [ARUN] and Citrix [CTXS].

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This article is part of the LinkedIn Top Voices list, a collection of the must-read writers of the year. Check out more #BigIdeas2017 here.