Listen To Employees
"Listen to employees", urges MD Polar explorer
Treated properly, the human mind is capable of many things, argues disabled North Pole explorer, Michael McGrath, but UK organisations are missing the point by miles.
Trapped inside people are motivations that are being withheld from UK companies because line managers and HR are spending too much time demanding and not enough time listening, argued Muscular Dystrophy (MD) North Pole explorer, Michael McGrath today.
Speaking to HR Gateway about his latest expedition, this time to traverse the final latitude before the South Pole, inspirational speaker and advisor McGrath said that firms simply do not understand the nature of motivation:
'HR is about understanding people and what motivates them; the way that people interpret information and the way they behave. The wonderful thing is, is that we are all motivated by, and inspired by, different things.
'I come from a simple background in that I believe we are inspired by other people's actions. I believe that you should have faith in your own capability in the workplace, no matter what challenges, difficulties and pressures there are. The business environment is tough but people shouldn't lose sight of the humanity that needs to be in parallel with today's business,' he said.
Motivation sits within us all, he says, and it is the incentive that draws motivation out. In business it is about line managers and HR really questioning employees in a particular way to draw the best from them:
'The power of listening cannot be underestimated by both line manager and HR. Most people ask, demand and expect but rarely listen. They need to stop and listen to the gaps in-between. This has happened to me on a number of occasions in business,' he said.
In January next year, McGrath is attempting to cover the final 69 statute miles towards the South Pole to take him to the bottom of the world. Suffering from Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, he uses motivation building and NLP techniques to keep himself motivated and focussed:
'I have a circulation problem and so use the image of the Ready Brek warm glow boy to bring the feeling back into my legs in sub-zero temperatures. The mind is capable of incredible things if harnessed properly, but many companies don't seem to realise this,' he said.
McGrath is currently attempting to raise funds for his pole2pole expedition and for those with muscle disorders such as muscular dystrophy. He is looking for organisations to join him in this unique venture.
The project has three key themes that form the basis of what is a thorough business plan: Communication, Education and Mobility. Although early days, much interest has been shown not least because 2003, is the European Year of Disabled People.
The pole2pole team and Michael McGrath are seeking corporate sponsors who are eager to, by association, inspire and motivate employees, work in partnership to implement engaging CSR initiatives and embrace an inclusive way of thinking in making a tangible difference in our world. The project offers excellent visibility and positive brand association.
Ref: N/1400
Date Posted: 12/02/2003
Author: HR Gateway Editorial
Endorsement: HR Gateway Ltd [Vanessa Stebbings - Managing Director]
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