A year ago, I had the pleasure to speak for the CHI Health Home leadership team in Omaha, Nebraska. Anybody in healthcare understands how vital it is to not only communicate effectively, but to make connections with people. I spoke on “The Magic of Connecting” and one of the principles I covered was “Connectors Inspire.” I loved reading the book called Nuts, which was the story of the late Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwestern Airlines. He was a master at making connections with his employees as well as the passengers. I loved the article which all his employees pitched in and placed on a full page of a newspaper. Below is what they wrote:
Thanks Herb,
For remembering every one of our names
For supporting the Ronald McDonald House
For helping load baggage on Thanksgiving
For giving everyone a kiss (and we mean everyone)
For listening
For running the only profitable airline
For singing at our holiday party
For singing only once a year
For letting us wear shorts and sneakers to work
For golfing at the LUV Classic with only one Club
For outtalking Sam Donaldson
For riding your Harley Davidson into Southwest Headquarters
For being a friend, not just a boss
Happy Boss’s Day from Each One of Your 16,000 Employees
A display of affection like that occurs only when a leader has worked hard to connect with his people. (I’m not saying you have to kiss your employees). Herb worked really hard at creating a culture to inspire people. What are you doing as a leader to inspire your employees and clients? As an employee, what are you doing to inspire your co-workers and the people you serve? The magic of connecting is about inspiring the people you work with. Now go out and get connected!
Desi
Your Stress Less Coach
www.DesiPayne.com