Are you Compliant or Committed?

I was listening to a recent podcast and the question was asked "Are you Compliant or Committed?".  The question really struck home with me.  The more I thought about it, the more I came to realize that on the outside the two can be appear deceptively similar. However, at the end of the day the results that a team achieves are vastly different depending on which state of mind the individuals members of the team are in.

 

Compliance has become such an important topic in the corporate world in recent years. Organizations spend millions of dollars ensuring that rules, regulations and requirements are being followed and met.  The impact has gone far beyond Compliance officers and legal teams.  Every staff member has a responsibility to ensure their organization is complying with applicable laws and ethical standards.  I am in no way trying to downplay the importance of compliance at the individual and organizational level.  It is absolutely critical in any business environment.  In fact commitment without compliance can often lead to very uncomfortable situations, as we have seen with recent corporate scandals.

 

Compliance is fundamentally an intellectual state of mind.   A series of rules/laws are understood and followed.  Compliance is more about avoiding negative consequences that it is about achieving a positive outcome.  For most people, compliance lacks the emotional engagement that taps into to the creativity and emotional power of their team members to achieve positive results.

 

To move from compliant to committed takes a compelling and shared vision that excites and inspires the team or individuals into action.  It must create the momentum that allows people to push through difficult situations and hard times.  In addition to the vision, as a leader it is critical that we not only communicate the vision, but also live it through the good times and the bad.  

It is easy to speak of vision, goals and growth when times are good.  However, in today's business environment it can feel like we are riding a roller coaster.  To truly gain the commitment of your team or organizations you have to maintain the visions through the toughest of times.   Failing to do so can result in falling back into a state of compliance.

I like to think of compliance as the foundation success.  Without it, anything that you build risks collapse.  However, stopping at compliance and ignoring commitment will leave the best that you and your team have to offer incomplete.

What has been your greatest challenge in moving your team from compliant to committed. How have you maintained your commitment to your vision during tough times.  I would love to get  your feedback through the comments section below.

As always I can be found on Twitter and Linked-In.

Bill Roth
The Success Junkie