Mind the Canary. Workplace motivation for generations to come.
Guiding Principles…
Work As A Product
The days of assembly-line tasks are over. Approach work like a product. Designing engaging experiences that foster ownership, purpose, and continuous learning. The result? A motivated workforce that drives innovation and delivers exceptional results.
Employees Are Customers
Traditionally, companies focus on customer satisfaction. But what about employee satisfaction? I believe a motivated and valued workforce is the key to exceptional customer experiences. By treating your employees like valued customers, you cultivate loyalty, engagement, and a drive to excel. The result? A happier, more productive team that translates into satisfied customers and a thriving business.
Put People Were They Will Thrive
Success isn't about assigning work, it's about empowering people. I partner with businesses to create environments where employees can flourish, not just function. By fostering intrinsic motivation, clear purpose, and growth opportunities, together we unlock the full potential of your workforce, leading to a happier, more engaged, and thriving organization.
Treat People With Respect
In today's competitive business landscape, fostering a thriving workplace ecosystem is paramount. Respect serves as the very foundation of this ecosystem. When employees feel valued and their voices are heard, a cascade of positive outcomes ensues. Engagement skyrockets, fueled by a sense of purpose and belonging. Innovation flourishes in an environment where ideas are encouraged and collaboration thrives. Ultimately, customer experiences soar as a highly motivated workforce delivers exceptional service. Respect isn't a nicety; it's the cornerstone of a successful organization.
People
I believe designing work to be intrinsically motivating is best for all stakeholders - people, business, and the planet.
Matt LeVeque
Founder & Managing Director
Mind the Canary
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Matt LeVeque is the founder of Mind the Canary, a boutique consultancy dedicated to fostering workplace motivation and designing intrinsically rewarding jobs. Inspired by the historical practice of using canaries in coal mines, Matt believes that identifying and addressing the root causes of dissatisfaction is far more effective than simply masking them with superficial perks.
Prior to Mind the Canary, Matt spent 30 years working in both start-up and global corporation environments where he witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of disengaged employees. This experience ignited his passion for helping organizations create environments where employees can thrive, not just survive.
At Mind the Canary, Matt leverages his expertise in the psychology of human and workplace motivation and employee satisfaction to partner with businesses and design workplaces that promote intrinsic motivation, ownership, and a sense of purpose. His focus isn't on making employees tougher, but on creating a healthier work environment where everyone can thrive.
Matt lives in the Greater Philadelphia area with his wonderful wife and daughter. When he’s not husbanding and parenting Matt can be found cycling, watching cycling on Eurosport, in the garden, or in a pile of books.
‘Where does ‘Mind the Canary’ get it’s name?? Glad you asked! Mind the Canary is inspired by the work of Dr. Christina Maslach. The following excerpt from her article ‘What’s really behind the burnout crisis - and how to fix it’ sums up Mind the Canary.
Across most of the 20th century, in coal mines around the world, miners took caged canaries underground with them to test the air quality. The canary’s high sensitivity to carbon monoxide and other toxic gases meant that, if it swayed on its perch, or even collapsed, the coal miners were forewarned in sufficient time to get out.
The practice was ended by the 1990s, but to stretch the metaphor let’s say our hope was to keep more birds singing in mines. What would be our best approach? Should we try fixing the canary to make it stronger and more resilient—a tough old bird that could take whatever conditions it faced? Or should we fix the mine, clearing the toxic fumes and doing whatever else necessary to make it safe for canaries (and miners) to do their work?
Employees are the canaries. Just like canaries are sensitive to toxins, employees are sensitive to unhealthy work environments. The workplace is the mine. A toxic workplace can have factors like low morale, burnout, unfair treatment, or unclear expectations. These factors, like the toxic gases, can negatively impact employees.
In the context of employee well-being, it's definitely better to fix the mine (the workplace) rather than trying to fix the canary (the employee).
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