.bodytext {float: left; } .floatimg-left-hort { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right: 10px; width:300px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-caption-hort { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:300px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-vert { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right:15px; width:200px;} .floatimg-left-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; font-size: 10px; width:200px;} .floatimg-right-hort { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px;} .floatimg-right-caption-hort { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px; font-size: 10px; } .floatimg-right-vert { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px;} .floatimg-right-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; font-size: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; border-top-style: double; border-top-color: black; border-bottom-style: double; border-bottom-color: black;} .floatimgright-sidebar p { line-height: 115%; text-indent: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar h4 { font-variant:small-caps; } .pullquote { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 150px; background: url(http://www.dmbusinessdaily.com/DAILY/editorial/extras/closequote.gif) no-repeat bottom right !important ; line-height: 150%; font-size: 125%; border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid;} .floatvidleft { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatvidright { float:right; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} I facilitate two kinds of training: diversity and innovation. I’ve referred to these types of training as close cousins, because there are ways in which a person or workplace that values human differences and a person or workplace that is innovative are similar.

In both my diversity and innovation trainings, I share with participants the five aspects of self-esteem model by theorist Joe Boyer. Why? Because there are numerous studies that claim the No. 1 reason for an employee voluntarily leaving a workplace is because that employee does not feel valued or appreciated in that workplace.

Losing talented individuals is one of the worst consequences of not appreciating employees, but there are also other negative consequences for the organization when employees do not feel valued, such as losses in productivity, creativity, staff morale and team effectiveness, and little vitality in the organization.

When one feels valued and can bring his or her full self to the workplace, that employee can contribute to the lifeblood of the organization. He or she can contribute to an environment where innovation thrives.

When a person feels appreciated and valued for whatever human difference he or she possesses, this is the kind of support that affects one’s confidence in taking risks and infusing change, which are key components of innovation.

That is why it is so important on a daily basis to reflect upon the actions you are taking to nurture your own self-esteem and the self-esteem of those with whom you work.

As you read these five aspects of self-esteem, think about how you can improve policies in the workplace, the interactions you have with co-workers and the guidance you provide those you manage to strengthen these aspects of self-esteem.

Uniqueness: The idea that you are one-of-a-kind. Your differences make you an asset to the organization. You are the company’s greatest resource. So what are you doing to make others feel special?

Belonging/Connected: You are a part of a group, yet still individually special. Your contributions make the group what it is. Do all employees feel connected to the mission? Do they feel part of the team?

Security: Feeling physically and emotionally safe. Your pride is secure among those around you. You should be safe from hurtful comments, derogatory remarks, insensitive jokes and non-inclusive policies.

Purpose: Knowing the relevance of what is going on around you and how you fit in. Setting specific goals and having tasks to accomplish.

Empowerment: Having the ability and opportunity to make individual change and responsible decisions. Giving employees options is empowering. Everyone wants to feel as if they’re making a difference.

Nurturing these aspects of self-esteem on a daily basis will affect the retention of the diverse work force you’ve worked hard to recruit in Iowa. It will strengthen your organization’s ability to innovate in a fiercely competitive marketplace.

Michele Soria is founder and president of Des Moines-based New Realities.