Last week, a great speaker reminded me that greed is not always bad. I had come across this concept before, so I was pleased to be reminded that greed often gets a bad rapport. You see, greed is a motive that we can all understand. It is a simple motive and not complex in the least. When you know someone is greedy, you know exactly what will motivate them. We tend to criticize greedy people, so instead of being transparent about it, they go into hiding. Frankly, I would rather have this out in the open. Greed is a motivator and is one of the most common ones. I know exactly how to work with a greedy person.
Greed also has another benefit. People who are greedy tend to work hard. They are persistent, stubborn and show up. I have never had to ask a greedy person to get back to work or check on their progress. A greedy person is usually tracking me and others down to help them get what they want. When I am trying to grow a business, I really need and want more greedy people to be in key roles. This is because I know they are going to be aggressive and work hard.
I agree that having too many greedy people around can create a caustic culture, but the reverse is true as well. Not having enough greedy people involved will produce a mediocre and underperforming culture. If you prefer, we can use the word ambitious. It’s the same thing, really. In either case, it is important to draw clear lines on the ethical boundaries that cannot be crossed by ambition and greed. However, assuming those lines are not crossed, having greedy people around means that you are aspiring to greater goals, they drive the rest of the organization forward, they are not reluctant to seek new innovation, and are usually the most determined of the team.
At times, I have been pegged as a greedy person. I used to feel bad about this and try to convince them otherwise, but in the last few years, I have grown to embrace the concept. Yes, I am greedy.
- I am greedy for more benefits for my family.
- I am greedy to earn more so that I can support the various causes that I am engaged in.
- I am greedy in my goals and will not compromise.
- I am greedy for a better place, a better society, and a better community.
- I am greedy for better relationships and better friends.
- I am greedy for success, growth, and more profits.
Yeah, count me greedy. I would be glad to work for, work with, and hire anyone who shares the same passion. Embrace the greed. Greed is good.
