[tweetmeme]The quality of your people can make or break your business.
Richard Branson, CEO of the Virgin Group of Companies, confirms this when he shared the keys to his entrepreneurial success in a recent magazine interview (Playboy, January 2009, pp. 39-46):
It all comes down to people. Nothing else comes close. Motivating people, bringing in the best. You assume every switchboard operator will excel, and they will. Often people make mistakes, but you allow for that, too. Praise people –like plants, they must be nurturedc– and make it fun. Value them and give them the opportunity to contribute in ways that excite them…. Keep it vibrant. Everything comes back to people. Nothing else. You get loyalty, enthusiasm and great service for your customers.