We are in a world of transactional relationships, transactional workplaces, and now transactional “amateur” athletics. Transactional exchanges are a normal aspect of society. One party provides something to another party for something in exchange. There is nothing wrong with transactional exchanges. The problem comes into play when relationships become transactional and when transactional becomes the prevalent operating system in our workplaces, in our organizations, and on our teams.
As opposed to transactional exchanges, consider transformational. Transformational relationships value others without seeking anything in exchange. Transformational workplaces become more than just a place to earn a living. Transformational teams still recognize the value of team and culture.
Since being back in Ruston for a little over two years now, I have seen some outstanding examples of transformational people and organizations.
Walpole Tire was one of my first stops after moving to Ruston. While waiting for some routine service on my car to be completed, I noticed one of the technicians come into the waiting area to discuss vehicle repair options with a customer. The lady looked to be in her 70’s and was sitting near me. The technician came over to her, knelt to be at her level while she sat, introduced himself to her, and explained the options to her. He went above and beyond to make her comfortable. That’s not the only time that I have seen such an encounter in Walpole Tire. I am sure there are other great places to get a car serviced in Lincoln Parish, but I am so impressed with Walpole’s approach to customer service.
Utility Pizza is another example of a transformational environment where workers engage at a high level with customers. My first visit there was outstanding. Not only was the food great, but the workers did so much more than just take my order. They created a friendly, upbeat environment that indicated that they were glad we came in. Here again, there are other great places to eat in Lincoln Parish, but Utility will always be a go to place for me based on environment!
I have also been fortunate to spend some time with various classes at La Tech. I have seen David Herda, accounting, and Kyle Roberts, marketing, relate to their students in a manner that goes well beyond just the teacher/student relationship. I have seen plenty of transactional exchanges in the classroom, but these two go well beyond that level to transformational! Transformational teaching goes beyond conveying facts to reach students in a manner that impacts their future.
I have encountered various other examples as I have heard Kyle McDonald talk about Argent Financial Group’s purpose, Will Dearmon talk about his desire to develop leaders in the business community, and Jerry Baugh talk about impacting young men that he coaches at RHS. We have transformational people and organizations throughout our community. Their examples should be an encouragement for all of us to seek to not settle for transactional relationships or settle for just transactional organizations. While we can’t (and don’t need to) eliminate every aspect of transactional exchanges, we do need to seek more transformational impact. Transformational attracts people to your organization, customers to your business, young people to your university, and athletes to your team.
As we move into a new year, where can you move from transactional to transformational?
