Many of us have seen Jack Hanna, now Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, on the Late Show with David Letterman showing snakes and other animals. He creates a connection between us and the animals.
Jack’s motto is “Touch the heart to teach the mind.” We must inspire and engage people in order to get them invested in each other, the product or a cause.
As leaders, taking time to inspire and connect with people is essential. We are often so busy and results driven that we forget this ingredient. We think it may waste time or be “fluff” and “soft stuff.” We question the value to the bottom line. We know two important pieces of information:
- Positivity + productivity = results We need a balanced combination to achieve desired outcomes.
- Employee engagement has a direct link to the bottom line. When people are not engaged, fulfilled or satisfied, they are likely to leave our organization. Turnover costs money and impacts morale. In addition, they could stay while “quitting on the job.”
Touching the heart opens the door to teaching the mind. When these factors are working in tandem you have the possibility to make both your organization and your environment a better place.