ReLive Your Dreams...

I recently talked to a very special leader, Richard, and he helps individuals and companies to build joy at work. He wrote two amazing books that invites people to think about our working culture, reimagine about the future of work, then reinvent it in our ways.

But his beautiful works had been kept on his dream-box for twenty years because of poor leadership and unexciting works. He started his career with excitements, with great energy, with strong commitments to bring his best talent every day, and with the desire to grow with others. Every new project was like a new-white-blank paper that he and his team could use their creativity to their best. They loved the creation at the beginning until management started to demand for “more with less”. More works with less resources. More outcomes with less time. More profits with less investments. More serious at work with less joy!

Under such leadership, of course, a toxic culture was born. People came to work less talking to one another. Talented and committed people started to leave the company. Deadlines were given not thoughtfully. People became things. They were replaced by new people if when they raised their voice and concerns. Many of them were depressed and he was one.

Something good happened. His company decided to change and to transform. They brought in a new CEO and his mission was to make a quick turnaround. This CEO brought amazing coaches to help his leadership teams to become better leaders, to lead effectively, and to bring the creativity and energy back. He spent time talking to every employee and asked if they would think of one person that could make that happen. Richard was recommended by almost everyone. He was there for more than ten years. He knew everyone. He knew what worked and what didn’t work. He had good intention to help. Quickly, Richard was put on the coaching program. Not long later, he was appointed a senior VP to work with the CEO in transforming the business. He uncaged his secret dream-box what was left aside because of poor leadership.

Fast forward, he left the organization and founded his company twenty years ago. He was able to live his dream: to create a business that brings values for everyone through the creation of joy!

Now, look at us. Does this story sound familiar to you? Do you have dreams that you buried or put aside for sometimes? How can you bring them back? What can you do to bring the dreams back for others?

For managers and leaders, here are some good advice if you want to bring back the dreams in each of your employees:

• Lead by examples. Follow your own dreams.
• Share your stories. Tell them why you are doing what you are doing.
• Talk to your employee more. Connect with them at personal level. Know them well.
• Ask for their aspirations.
• Offer help and be intentional about helping them to achieve their goals.
• Seek for feedback. Learn from what they say about you.

Our question for you: “Which actions would you take from now to reignite the dreams inside of you and others?"