Motivation is Free

By Rick Dacri, Dacri & Associates

Motivation is free. Getting a motivated workforce does not take a fat pay raise or a new dental plan or an expensive celebratory party…at least that’s not Bill Huston’s experience. Bill Huston is the owner of Huston & Company, a small manufacturer of fine custom furniture in Kennebunkport Maine. When you walk through Bill’s showroom and workshop you’ll see some of the finest pieces of furniture made and you’ll witness a workforce that is fully engaged in their craft.

By simply talking to Bill you’ll observe an individual who exudes pride in his product and staff. He’ll tell you how each piece of furniture is custom made. That he’ll take the customer’s idea and vision and will then create a drawing to graphically illustrate the proposed piece. Once approved, he’ll create a print so that his employees can create the final product.

Unlike most furniture makers who build each piece utilizing an assembly-line mentality where each worker makes a different component while others assemble it, at Huston, one employee makes the entire piece from start to finish. As Bill tells it, the employee will utilize all his skills and creativity to machine a curve or to select the right wood to ensure that the grain flows correctly. Detail is important and the worker has the freedom of time to make it right. Each employee is given the flexibility to ensure that the customer’s vision of the piece is realized. And when the piece is done, Huston adds the crowning touch. Most ordinary manufacturers burn in their company name somewhere on the piece. They will then chalk a series of numbers and letters on the bottom for quality purposes. That way you can trace back where it was made. Not at Huston’s. Yes, the Huston & Company name is burned into the piece, but, the employee’s name is also burned in so that everyone knows who made this fine piece of furniture. It is this small gesture that lets the employee know that he is not just a worker, but he is a “craftsman of fine furniture.”

Bill treats his employees as the craftsman they are and that’s why he is able to recruit and retain a skilled and motivated staff. That recognition sets Huston apart from its competition, costs nothing, and distinguishes the company, product and staff—and isn’t that what it is all about?

Rick Dacri is a human resource consultant, featured speaker at regional and national conferences, and author of the book “Uncomplicating Management: Focus On Your Stars & Your Company Will Soar.” Since 1995 his firm, Dacri & Associates has helped organizations improve individual and organizational performance. Rick connects with people in a positive and challenging way to offer practical solutions. He can be reached at 207-967-0837, or via email at rick@dacri.com