Leadership

In our Leadership Training Program, one of our favorite topics is about the power and importance of connection! It sounds simple enough, but not something always prioritized.

One of the best examples of a leader who lived this out well is Herb Kelleher, co-founder, and CEO of Southwest Airlines.

A former letter written from his employees to celebrate Herb on Boss Day says it all! When we lead like this and genuinely care about the people we are working with, it impacts them personally and professionally...and they will be on your bus to win as a team!

I had the opportunity to work with someone who worked at Southwest and met Herb personally. She said, 'It's true! As a new employee he went out of his way to welcome me with a warm greeting and showed his sincere appreciation that I joined the team.

In one of my first jobs, as a cashier, I'll never forget I watched the store leader walk back and forth out of the office regularly and he never stopped to speak with any of the cashiers, even once. I never met him; he never knew my name (at least I don't know how he would have).

The first time I worked with a leader that made the effort to know me - what a game changer and different environment it was (for me and all the employees around me)!

We have case study after case study on increased connection shifting the whole culture forward in an amazing way!

No matter if you are leading thousands, one individual, or influencing indirectly, leaders have the opportunity to lead well and impact lives in a very meaningful way.

When our leaders trust us, care to know us, develop us and believe in us...the sky is the limit!

Author: Erika Butler, CEO

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