Throughout pregnancy women have cravings for particular foods. Sometimes these cravings seem peculiar to others, like pickles and ice cream, together. Truth be known, we all have cravings. Cravings for particular foods, cravings to be accepted, cravings to be the best at our jobs, cravings to have the highest skill level possible for what we enjoy.

It is these cravings that drive us forward. With the exception of the foods, these other cravings listed above propel us to improve our skills, abilities, and likeability. As leaders, we are to provide the information, resources, and tools to assist everyone in our charge in improving their personal ability assets. This will bring about effective production.

In addition, leaders should provide the source for craving. Is it possible that we are not providing the crave factor for our employees/volunteers? I believe in many instances the crave factor is missing in the workplace and in ministry. People who yearn to know a certain subject prove to be advanced learners. This yearning is a craving for knowledge and skill, a craving to be accepted and valued. This is not only in the workplace or ministry field. This craving applies to every area of life, including at home.

In the workplace and in ministry, when we, as leaders can determine the correct, needed craving and then set out to create that craving, we will see effective production from our employees/volunteers.

Too often we set the wrong craving. When we should be setting the table for steak and lobster, we are setting for bologna and cheese. Someone develops a yearning or craving for something because it is towards a goal they want, not one you thrust on them. A pregnant woman craves pickles and ice cream because the brain is reacting to the body’s need for both sugar and salty-brine. Take some time and search for the correct craving.

Oftentimes we may intend to create a craving, when in fact, we are only thrusting our demands on employees/volunteers. As a leader, be the brain that sends the impulses to meet the needs of the organization. Only be certain to send impulses that create a craving (passionate desire) to meet the needs of the organization. Remembering the craving must compel each person from the inside, not the organization’s point of view. When as a leader you can create this proper craving in your charges, you will see improved productivity and higher morale.

George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life.