It’s that time of year again: annual reviews, when all leaders document the successes of the past year.

Many times leaders feel like the circus performer balancing plates; there are so many demands, which ones do I focus on?

Leaders are required to deliver shareholder returns, customer satisfaction and employee engagement; all which are integral to the successful company.

How did you do last year balancing the success of those that invest in your company – Shareholders and Customers – with those that are your company – Employees?

Here is the challange:

Long-term sustained success comes from satisfying the needs of all your constituents.

• – Your shareholders seek a profitable return on their investment.
• – Your customers seek value in their purchases.
• – Your employees seek personal growth and fulfillment along with company success.
• Yes, employees want and need both personal and company success; one without the other will not lead to a sense of engagement that is so important. If the employees are growing, learning, and adding value, but the company isn’t successful, they will feel insecure about the future of the company.  On the other hand, if the company is successful but no one is growing, learning or adding value, then the employee will feel insecure about the future of their role in the company.

But does it really have to be a balancing act between shareholders, customers, and employees?

Could investing in each employee’s growth lead to sustained success for shareholders and customers and inturn the company? Tell me what do you think and I will report back in my next post.