The 10 Principles of a Love-Based Culture

Book excerpt: Love isn't a word used much in the business world. Business is too tough for love, right? Not necessarily. In Love-Based Culture, thought leader Ivo Nelson provides 10 love-based principles that will help you create happy customers, energize employees, and enjoy rich year-to-year revenue growth, all while steering your business away from fear and toward love.The no-brainer steps in this book are based on Ivo's experiences as CEO of Healthlink, which he, along with contributing author and Healthlink COO Dana Sellers, grew into one of the world's largest healthcare information technology consulting firms by the time it was acquired by IBM. These principles aren't sugarcoated, but they're served up alongside heartfelt anecdotes in Ivo's down-to-earth Texan grit. 10 Principles of a Love-Based Culture100% REFERENCEABILITYBecome obsessed with a bold, customer-centered goal.LEADERSHIPPut your employees' needs ahead of your own.CORE VALUESBe uncompromising in living core values daily.A HIGHER CALLINGHave purpose beyond profits.GOVERNANCEFocus on long-term growth.COMPENSATIONReward those who add value.WINNINGFeel the buzz of success.THE THREE Ps: POLICIES, PROCESSES, and PROCEDURES Hardwire processes to trust.DECISION-MAKINGEmpower those closest to the customer to do what's right.ACTS OF LOVEShow that you care.Stop accepting fear and chronic stress as necessary evils in the tough world of business. Great leaders show compassion for their employees, have core values they live every day, and meet their shareholders' expectations. Leaders of love-based companies care about their employees and give them a place to work where they can make a difference.Let's get started. We've got a lot of love to do.