I read Chip Conley’s new book Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow. I love this book! In it Chip defangs a huge business myth: People are only motivated by money and power. Chip shows that what really moves successful businesses are aspirational qualities like trust, loyalty and on occasion, even love.
Chip is no lofty, couch-side observer. He speaks from the trenches of entrepreneurial experience. He is the founder and CEO of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, which operates boutique hotels, restaurants, bars, and spas throughout California.
One of the most gripping sections of Peak is how Chip was able to increase market share during the 2000 to 2004 depression. This was a time when the whole travel industry descended into the worst slump in 60 years. Chip shares how scared he was of losing everything. During that dark period he re-discovered the work of the legendary psychologist Abraham Maslow.
Maslow was a revolutionary. Instead of focusing his research on what was wrong with people, he looked at what made people healthy and inspired. He recognized that all humans have a higher nature as well as a need for the basics such as food, sleep and shelter. Chip adapted Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and inspired his business to give employees and customers the unexpected, the exceptional, and the superb in a time when his competitors where hunkering down and not answering the phone calls from disappointed guests and angry investors. By being AWARE of the real needs of his employees and customers Chip transformed Joie de Vivre into a great company.
Go on to Chip's website to learn more, and order his book. You’ll be glad you did.
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