Our People are Our Most Important Asset...Not!

If your people were really your most important asset you wouldn't have to keep telling everyone. "Our people are our most important asset" is probably one of the most overused phrases I have ever heard. I just did a Google search and this phrase came up 17,100 times! Can you even name 10 companies where this is actually true?

Here are five reasons why I believe this phrase should be banned:

1. Companies are willing to spend whatever it takes to market their products and services but are unwilling to make similar investments in their people.

2. The blame for discontented employees is always placed on the employee.

3. Everyone is replaceable.

4. We value your opinion, as long as it agrees with ours.

5. You have a place in our company as long as you don't make more than "X."

Do less talking and a bit more doing and it will be obvious to all.