On this Labor Day 2014, check out the story that aired yesterday on CBS Sunday Morning about companies that value their employees and the difference it makes. The culture and practices at Whole Foods Market and Radio Flyer were highlighted and the conclusion to the fascinating saga of Market Basket and Artie T was reported.
That employees walked out and even customers boycotted Market Basket in support of the ousted CEO reminded me of the assignment for my MOOC on how great leaders make employees feel. I thought about it awhile and what I know about the best leaders I’ve worked with is this:
- These leaders were positive and encouraging in their words and actions; they modeled the behaviors they wanted us to exhibit; they were experts in the work or subject matter at hand and were continuous learners; they helped, supported, and encouraged me to develop.
- When I think of these different experiences, what is shared is that all these leaders got me very excited about the work at hand so that I woke up anticipating the day and ready to get at it. They all inspired me to work extra hard and go above and beyond.
How have great leaders made you feel?
Labor Day’s history is rooted in the American labor movement and is a day to celebrate the contributions of workers to our nation’s prosperity. Union activity and membership has been declining for years because many of the benefits and protections unions fought for have become the norm. The success of unions has in many cases removed the need for unions.
Unfortunately, not even unions can ensure that every culture is positive and supportive and that all managers are good. This is reflected in statistics from Gallup’s State of the American Workplace study referenced in the CBS story which found seven out of ten workers are not engaged or are actively disengaged – meaning they are probably not inspired to work extra hard or go above and beyond.
I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it: Here’s to better managers.
And thanks to my good friend B who texted me early yesterday about this story on CBS Sunday Morning.
Would love to know your experience with great managers. Please comment below.
My goal is to write 30 blog posts in 30 days the month of September and it starts today!
#30in30
So many people I work with want to develop – as leaders or in their career or sometimes both. But the reality for many is a jam-packed schedule and limited resources making traditional development options like earning another degree at the local university unfeasible. 
Andrew Deutscher of 
Cultivating a healthy, green lawn has always been a challenge because we live under a canopy of live oak, magnolia, and other trees which limits sunlight reaching the ground. We sodded numerous times – sometimes paying people to cover the yard with little squares of grass and other times doing the backbreaking work ourselves but it never lasted very long.