Once upon a time, there was a year dominated by turmoil – where groups were pit against groups and fear was being instilled everywhere – anti-immigrants against immigrants, cops against blacks – unfortunately the list is endless.

Then came an event that shook the world from China to Chile to Poughkeepsie and beyond.  People from all walks of life put fear and the election on hold and bonded while they sat in front of their TV or radio.

You’re a business owner, HR executive, CEO, COO, manager, etc. and you’re completely perplexed on how you can stop this revolving door of millennials coming in and going out of your business. 

You’ve supplied the kitchen, with 27 different cereals, nut mixes, candy bars, protein drinks and gluten free whatever.  In fact the boardroom has been completely transformed and the only reason why you still call it “The Boardroom” is because of the wide array of board games millennials can play on their breaks. (Yes, you did your homework; according to The GBrief , the website ALL about millennials,  “they love their board games”  The GBrief – millennials and their board games)  And still you haven’t found a way to get them to stay.

How to identify if you really have a customer-centric business.

I’m sure if I was to call 50 companies right now and ask if they were a customer-centric business, they would all say “yes.”  Isn’t that why we’re all in business – to be of service to our customers?  The happier (we’ll define happy in a future article) they are the more business we have.  On paper,yes.  In the board room, maybe.  In your cubicles, not quite.

Now’s the time to be jolly and generous with our words. 

“You’re great!”  “Happy you’re on the team!”  “Good work this year” Waiting until you hand someone their bonus check (you are giving one, right?) or slur some kind word at the Holiday Party, is not going to cut it.  It’s empty and insincere.  It won’t endear me to be vested in you or your goals.  That said, if you choose to follow a few simple truths and a couple of rules, the organization and you the leader, will reap rewards beyond those you are sharing.

Let’s begin with the premise that things are always changing. 

So, you’ve got an idea that you think may solve the challenges of your department. Or you’ve got something in your gut that says write the book. Or maybe your hand and your heart wants you to finally pick up the canvas or guitar that’s sitting in the back of your closet.

And oh, how you fantasize about how your little idea propelled big profits for your organization. And those luscious daydreams of how your book, your writing, touched people enough to tell all their friends about it. And no doubt about it, once you pull out the canvas and brush, the art will flow and your kids will fight about who gets to hang that gem in their room. All so perfect.