Is it possible that the way to win in business is to give employees exactly what they want? Yes. As RESPECT reveals, managers and organizations who give their employees what they want outperform those who don’t. This is no hunch – it’s a fact based on more than 25 years of global research. Drs. Jack Wiley and Brenda Kowske have amassed a research database unlike any other, and it all started with this simple question: “What is the most important thing you want from the organization for which you work?”

Organizations that apply this research have more engaged employees, more satisfied customers, and better shareholder returns. It all boils down to seven key elements, summarized by the acronym RESPECT. These are the seven things that employees really want:

RECOGNITION: A pat on the back from managers and the organization at-large

EXCITING WORK: A job that’s challenging, interesting and fun

SECURITY: Job security, whether that means for one year or 10

PAY: Fair compensation for a day’s work, and enough of it

EDUCATION AND CAREER GROWTH: Opportunities to develop their skills and career

CONDITIONS: A workplace that is comfortable physically and socially, and well-equipped

TRUTH: Frank, honest and transparent leaders

This book taps the authors’ “in the trenches” consulting experience and offers real solutions on each element of RESPECT. Written for all types of leaders—from supervisors to the c-suite—readers can pick and choose the proven solutions that are relevant to their own organizations.

By weaving stories and narrative, the authors make complex information easy to understand and fun to read. In addition, the book meets the demands of the global economy, offering an international perspective with corresponding cultural nuances that are critical to helping leaders manage the needs of their workforces.