It’s really my own fault. I don’t know why I continue to do it. I know better than to pick up some book, article or podcast and think I’ll either (a) never be disappointed or (b) see something I’ve never come across before.

Wouldn’t you know it? I recently read an article about whether belief is important to become successful — especially in business.

The author of this article — who I won’t name or endorse — wrote that sometimes in some businesses, believing isn’t as important to success as we think. The author opined, for example, plenty of jobs don’t depend on forming deep relationships, working with commitment and creativity or leading people.

The examples that were cited were pointed toward the transaction-oriented environment. Read: “Do you want to super size that meal?” According to the author, belief for those types of jobs is optional. The evidence presented: Retail jobs have massive turnover, and no one expects engagement from a fast food checkout person. After all, they’re only the face the customer sees, right?

I suspect you can see where I’m headed. If your employees have no faith in you or your organization, how much effort should you expect?

I’ve asked this question before in several articles, classes and consultancy gigs: For every dollar you spend in wages and benefits, how much of a return should you be getting for $1? I hope you’re answering at least a dollar. The reality is that for any business to be really successful, the return on $1 in investment should be $1.50 to $2.

When you invest your hard-earned dollars in a certificate of deposit, individual retirement account or your cousin Vinny, how much do you expect in return?

Consider whether or not an employee whose heart isn’t really in it moves your organization forward. In most cases, employees whose heart really isn’t in it either stagnate your organization or pull it down.

Where do employees get this attitude? For the most part, people don’t wake up in the morning and say to themselves, “Gee, I hope I have a really lousy day at work today.” They hope against hope this day, today, will be better than yesterday.

In my humble opinion, attitudes at work begin and end with the employees’ leader.

A leader whose heart isn’t in it is deadly to a group. Most people who voluntarily quit their jobs do so because they can’t stand their bosses. The majority of people working today are looking for other employment.

Don’t think attitude means much? Don’t think belief means much? Show me an employee who not only has the right attitude, but also believes in what they’re doing and who they work for, and I’ll show you someone who can move mountains.

How can you make someone believe and develop a better attitude? It begins with servant leaders.

If you don’t have ’em… go, get ’em. If you need ’em trained up, give me a call. If you’re not one. … Well, you have some choices to make. But, your employees need to believe.