| Work environment determines success of employees |
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| Written by Cassie Monroe, Daily Vidette Staff Writer |
| Thursday, 22 October 2009 02:14 |
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On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Michael Stallard presented “Fired Up Leadership: How Work Environment Fires Up the Human Brain to Improve Individual and Organizational Performance,” to ISU students and faculty in the College of Business. Stallard is the president of E-Pluribus corporate consulting company. This organization trains organizations on how to develop their leadership skills and provide employees with a more productive work environment. After graduating ISU in 1981, Stallard went on to get his MBA from the University of Texas, and eventually his law degree from DePaul University. He has presented his ideology before to several prominent organizations including NASA and Google. Stallard believes that the work environment employees are placed in will determine if they can be successful and content. “Some work environments energize people, and some drain the life out of them,” Stallard said. “We need to deconstruct and understand what environments we should put ourselves in so we can thrive where we are employed.”  Stallard said this concept can be related to any group such as rock bands, sports teams or families. He used the example of his favorite rock group, U2, to explain the importance of forming connections in your work environment. U2 has been able to stay together for 30 years, by applying their motto, “We’re all going to get through this alive.” All members of U2 were supportive of each other and knew they could rely on each other through any tribulation. For example, all band members helped bass player, Adam Clayton, overcome his drug and alcohol addiction when they easily could have replaced him. “That commitment and connection is critical to the performance of any group,” Stallard said. “They will not thrive unless there is a strong connection between members.” Stallard defined the “Force of Connection,” as a bond based on shared identity, empathy and understanding that moves self-centered individuals toward group-centered membership. The standard work environment has very low morale. About 75 percent of employees are not engaged at work, and 15-20 percent of employees are actually working against organizations’ interests because they feel disconnected. According to Stallard, Neuroscience is unlocking the many mysteries of what happens in the work environment. Neurologists have discovered being in an encouraging environment increases dopamine, which enhances attention and pleasure. However, threatening environments boost cortisol in the brain, which can shorten the lifespan. This is why it is important for employers to create a safe work environment, and why people should find a work environment they feel comfortable in. About 100 students and faculty were in attendance of the presentation. One of the students was Rebecca Kagan, junior insurance and finance major. She explained what she thought of Stallard’s message. “I thought [the presentation] was really interesting, upbeat, and a different way to look at business. I am going into insurance after I graduate, and will be working in a business building. I think it would be interesting to apply the principles to a ‘cubicle setting.’” Stallard made his book, “Fired Up or Burned Out,” available to ISU students and faculty for free download for a limited time. To download the book students can visit his Web site, michaelleestallard.com. |
