What kind of research did you have to conduct to write your book?
We have consulted for corporations, government and non-profits for 30 years. In that time, we have surveyed more than a million and a half employees. We have had one-on-one interviews with thousands of leaders. At U.S. Cellular, we have had the opportunity in conducting an annual culture survey since 2000, to track the change process from beginning to end.
What message are you trying to convey with this book?
In all those interviews and surveys, the evidence was always overwhelming that on some basic level, all employees (regardless of their level) are looking for the same things at work: respect and dignity; evidence that they are valued as individuals, not just arms or backs or brains; the conviction that they are engaged in an endeavor that has a higher purpose than enriching others; and the desire to work in an ethical organization. That has never changed. In most organizations, those desires are buried deep under the surface. With the right kind of leadership, any company can tap into this great resource for the benefit of its customers and shareholders.
Do you ever get writer’s block and what do you do when that happens?
Walk in the garden.
Do you have a website?
Yes, we do; a modest one: www.eslerkruger.com
What’s next for you?
Continuing our fascinating work and perhaps another book when we retire.
Thank you for this interview, David and Myra. Do you have any final words you’d like to share with my readers?
Thank you for inviting us to talk about The Pursuit of Something Better.
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