Are you looking to add new individuals to your team in 2011? Studies show that hiring guilt-prone employees is smart business! (Keep in mind, there is a big difference between guilt-prone and guilty) Guilt-ridden people make better employees, tend to work hard, perform better and are less likely to call in sick. All around, they’re dependable. Why? Because they feel bad letting others down, they feel an obligation to do their part, and guilt if they fall short. The guilt-leaners are also proven to be less stressed than their co-workers and have higher job satisfaction. In fact, those that have the tendency to feel guilt are more likely to assist colleagues, are more committed to their organizations, and are perceived by their peers as strong leaders. Believe it?
According to research done by Francis Flynn, Director of the Center for Leadership Development and Research at Stanford University (as reported in The January/February 2011 edition of Harvard Business Review), guilt-prone individuals unequivocally make great employees. The study was conducted by administering a standard psychological test that measures the tendency to feel guilt to 150 workers at a Fortune 500 firm and compared the results with their performance reviews. The findings? The link between guilt and performance is clearly there. Translation: Guilt is good!!
If you want a team of dedicated employees working diligently to accomplish goals, helping each other succeed, and helping you reach new heights in your business, consider a guilt-prone hire.
What are some other qualities you have found in individuals that make them indispensible to your team?
Maribeth Kuzmeski
Maribeth Kuzmeski, MBA is the founder of Red Zone Marketing, LLC, which consults to Fortune 500 firms on strategic marketing planning and business growth. She is the author of 4 books, has frequently appeared on TV and radio, and has written articles on marketing strategies for hundreds of publications including Business Week and Entrepreneur. She regularly speaks to audiences on topics relating to business development, marketing, and sales strategies. Maribeth is author of The Connectors: How the World’s Most Successful Businesspeople Build Relationships and Win Clients for Life (Wiley, September 2009).
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Very interesting information – it makes sense, mistakes are inevitable in the workplace and guilt-prone workers will do their best to fix the mistakes as soon as possible.