Do You Have DNA Carriers?

The material for the following post comes directly from the chapter titled “DNA Carriers” in the book by Bill Hybels called Axiom.

Your Own Business

Let’s play make-believe!

Let’s assume that you are going to start your own retail business! This will not be a business like any business you have seen before. It will be awesome! It will trump every other business like it for 100 miles…maybe even in existence.

Characteristics of the Business

Let’s talk about the characteristics of your business. People will be treated with honor and respect. Prices will be fair and service will be thorough. Communication will be clear – among employees and with customers. Follow up will be speedy. Christ will be honored in your business!

As you plan how these values will be lived out, you decide that you will give customers freedoms they have not experienced at other similar businesses. You will include home delivery of your products and will provide loaner products while you are servicing the customers’ products. Your company will make personal phone calls to customers to verify good service. People will feel warmly welcomed the moment they enter your business.

With your planning completed, you start the business with excitement!

Your First Employees!

Then you hire your first batch of employees. They don’t carry the same dream. They don’t have the same level of passion. They don’t understand your frustration when they forget to greet a customer or make a follow-up call.

So, what is the problem? Are the employees the problem? Is your dream the problem?

What else could be the problem?

The Problem: DNA

Consider the following…You are the ONLY one carrying the DNA you want for the company!

Great Leaders know that you cannot merely assign tasks to be checked off. Other people do not “get” your dream by contact. More is required to “infuse” the DNA throughout the company!

Great Leaders do the following with their people…

1. Take time to explain “What” they feel deeply about
2. Take time to explain “Why” they feel deeply about it
3. Show teammates “How” to live that out
4. Appeal to the employee’s desire to be a part of something bigger
5. Make a hero out of those who rise to the occasion

Their Choice, Your Influence

Sure, the employee has the final decision…“Will I or won’t I live out all that it means
to be a part of this organization?” They can certainly choose to follow your lead or not. You cannot force them.

However, effective leaders challenge and inspire their staff to become bona fide DNA Carriers. If you want to be an effective leader, you need to commit to the time and energy necessary to graft your DNA into their bloodstream. If you do this, your business can be all you want it to be.

Do you have any DNA Carriers in your organization?

How do you think you can improve your situation?

What needs to be your next step?