For each petal on the shamrock.
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.

Every March 17 people celebrate all things Irish... green outfits, shamrock decorations, corned beef and cabbage with a pint or two and children's stories about Leprechauns with pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. Regardless of ancestral heritage, on St. Patrick's Day we all are Irish.

For sure, St. Paddy's Day can provide some business lessons.

Here are three to contemplate:

 1. Operate by Reality, Not by Luck

Don't leave your success to luck. There's a reason that stories of Leprechauns center around legends and treasures that are never found. And don't forget the infamous saying: "If it wasn't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all!" Instead, manage your business by reality. Yes, there's a place for intuition and the "gut check," but, as some businesses have found out, it can be dangerously risky to use this as your only data point for making important decisions. A good example of this is making talent management judgments. Whether you're searching for a new hire, managing your employees' development plans, or considering someone for promotion, utilizing methods to help you see beyond the resumé and past the rehearsed responses given during an interview are extraordinarily important.

2. St. Patrick and Performance Management, Attrition, and Churn

Legend tells us that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland. Since there are no snakes on the island today, perhaps, this can be a metaphor for St. Patrick's influence over ridding Ireland of undesirables. Do you see the connection to managing poor performers in your organization? There are undoubtedly problem employees whom you'd like to leave your business. Or people who might be good, but who are problematic or just don't fit the culture.

As of March 17, we're nearly one quarter into annual performance plans. Take this opportunity to gauge who is working well towards their goals and objectives. Offer praise or constructive feedback where appropriate. But, also, let strugglers and stragglers know that they've got to step up their game or risk the consequences.

3. Celebrate Your Culture

For sure, St. Patrick's Day is a national holiday in Ireland, and for sure it is recognized and celebrated around the world. Major cities such as New York and Chicago host annual parades while concessionaires try to sell anything adorned with a shamrock or other holiday symbol. People make plans to go out and celebrate this culture.

How do you celebrate your organization's culture with your employees? Is your culture desirable, or is in need of attention to improve employee attitudes, engagement, commitment, and productivity? Are your employees proud to say where they work - the equivalent of donning green and being swept up in St. Patrick's Day - or are they ashamed and view their work merely as a way to get a paycheck?

A healthy and productive organization starts with a healthy work culture. A disengaged workforce won't improve on its own. If you're unsure about your environment, a workforce engagement survey to take the pulse of your employees and address their legitimate concerns is a worthwhile initiative.

For sure, staying tuned in will not only improve your organization, it will tinge your competitors with a hint of the green whether it's St. Paddy's Day or not.

May you never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten.

                                                                ~Irish Blessing