Put a little heart into your business

Picture_11 If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, I hope that it does not come as a surprise to you that I was drawn to a business book called Lead with Your Heart

Truth be told, I would have read it regardless of title, because Lewis Green wrote it.  I have great respect for Lewis, his business acumen and his marketing skills.  I also consider him my friend.

I know what you’re thinking.  A book with a title like that could easily be all fluff and no real stuff.  It had the potential to be touchy-feely without making the business case.

Have no fear.  Lewis didn’t let us down.

You see, this book isn’t really about peace, love and feeling groovy — but instead it is a very practical, straightforward study on how to increase profits, retain your best employees and develop customer loyalty that will last for many years.

Lewis contends (and I agree) that a values-driven organization where people (employees, customers, vendors/partners) are more important than profits — yields the best of both worlds.  Happy people AND a profitable business. 

Lewis serves up relevant case studies and business stories.  He holds up some of the best companies (Starbucks, GE and 3M) as learning labs.  And he ends each chapter with a Points to Ponder feature that captures the most salient nuggets.

You’ll find sample sales letters, discussions about strategic planning and all kinds of marketing smarts in this book.  But you’ll also find the human ying to balance the business yang. 

I wholeheartedly agree with Lewis’ premise — and think you will too.  Leading with your heart isn’t just good for the soul, it’s good for business.  Grab the book.  Read it.  And in the spirit of leading with your heart — share it with your team and then brainstorm how you can put it into play at your workplace.

9 comments on “Put a little heart into your business

  1. I recently had the chance to finish “Losing My Virginity” by Richard Branson of Virgin. One of the things he emphasized was this very fact. By placing on his employees, he created an empire in which every single person in the organization works with their heart.

    Happy New Year!

  2. Piotr,

    Looks like I need to get that book on my “next to read” list! Leading with the heart is sound business advice. You just have to possess the courage to do it.

    Travel safe!

    Drew

  3. Lewis,

    You are indeed correct — I would not say it if I did not mean it. You book comes right from your heart.

    Just like it should!

    Drew

  4. There’s a lot to be said about being able to “Lead With Your Heart!” and being genuine in all that you do! If you can do that and make a commitment to always stick to what you value, the rest comes easy.

  5. I’ve always loved Lewis’ blogging work. Now I’ll have to add this to my ever-growing list of books…

    Thanks Drew! And thanks Lewis for keeping us thinking.

    Keep Cooking!
    Andrew

  6. Ricardo,

    The tough part is sticking to it. It sounds easy in theory but I think it is much tougher in practical application.

    But you’re right — if you can master that, good things happen.

    Drew

  7. Andrew,

    Lewis is well worth the read — in his blog and his book. You have excellent taste!

    Drew

  8. Aloha Credit says:

    Thanks Drew for recommending this book, I read over the weekend and loved it. I am learning to lead with my heart when writing blog posts and articles. Have a big heart, share what you know and what is in your heart. Just giving somone a hug and showing them our compassion can go a long way. Don’t be afraid to reach out, thanks Drew for letting me comment. Signing out Aloha credit

  9. Lew,

    You’re right. No one is perfect. But, making the effort with the right intentions is more than half the battle.

    Drew

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