September 23, 2009 - Are You Serving Your Employees?

Main Idea

How far should a serving leader go to please their employees? What do your employees want? When was the last time you asked them if their needs were being met? Happy employees are more productive, profitable, employees.

Expansion of Idea

The majority of leaders in companies feel like the employees should be serving the leader’s needs. After all, you’re the boss, right? Well, it’s been proven that companies that align the needs of their employees with the company’s needs have a better retention rate of both employees and customers than those companies that do not. Southwest Airlines has shown this continually by putting their workers first. Employees of the airline are given freedom to work in groups without supervision, and their personal uniqueness and sense of humor is highly valued. Because of this, the airline has been profitable every year since 1972. They have also received numerous awards on the quality of their customer service. Happy employees make happy customers. By focusing on the employees and their needs, the company has helped cement customer loyalty. 

What do your people want? Every person, regardless of position, wants to be valued and to have their voice heard. Maybe a certain strength, passion, or talent is being left untapped. There could be many simple ways to meet your employee’s needs that could improve your company culture, but you won’t know for sure how well you are doing so unless you ask them.

Start by Asking Yourself these Questions:

1. How often do you ask if employee’s needs are being met?

2. Do your employees have the tools they need to do the job?

3. Do your employees have the training they need to do the job?

September 16, 2009 - Are You Serving Your Business?

Main Idea

What is the purpose of a leader?  When was the last time you saw a leader really serve his followers and organization?  Or do the followers exist to serve the leader?

Expansion of Idea

I was watching a Fox News program the other day regarding the situation in Honduras.  They were interviewing the interim president about his role.  The previous president was deposed by their Supreme Court and military because he was trying to become like Chavez in Venezuela.  He was going to be president for life.  This went against the Honduras constitution and therefore he was forcibly kicked out of the country.  They have a rule that the president can only serve for one term because they know that there is a tendency to embrace the power.  The key point here is that the leader should be there to serve the country instead of the country there to serve him. 

The same is true for business.  Have you ever worked for someone who focused on helping you with your job and your life?  You probably worked harder, were more effective and were much happier with your life.  Everyone wins.  The problem is that life gets in the way and leaders have a hard time staying focused on helping their coworkers.  It takes a constant reminder about what we are supposed to be doing and why are we doing that.  This is also true about our responsibilities to our coworkers and bosses.  We can be servant leaders to our bosses and to our fellow workers.  This is not about just helping those who report to us.  This is a mindset for how to live our lives.  Remember “Power Corrupts.  Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.” 

Start by Asking Yourself One Question:

ARE YOU A SERVANT LEADER OR A SELF-SERVING LEADER?