It’s the Manager

Workplace productivity has declined.

Since 1990, new discoveries have emerged on enlightened management. Unfortunately, only a small minority of firms put these insights into practice. New techniques for developing and engaging each worker must spread widely to revitalize the world of work and the economy.

Among about 18,000 large firms in the United States – those with 500 or more employees – only about 20 practice modern personnel management. If thousands more CEOs and chief human resources officers (CHROs) developed their workers using contemporary methods, companies could put the economy back into growth mode and improve peoples’ lives.

People worldwide traditionally have sought to satisfy their primary needs for food, shelter, a good family life, and law and order. Gallup research shows that the “great global dream is to have a good job,” an ambition that surprisingly surpasses even the desire to meet primary needs – except food. Workers universally want committed leaders, decent pay, continuous learning and purpose. When companies meet employees’ needs, people become engaged...