November 2006 Newsletter
CEOs in Disguise
Newly minted CEO, Emily Clotilde, decided to visit Gable & Buckner's twenty manufacturing plants in order to get a better feel for that side of the business.
Simon Clobid, the general manager of the Inland plant, gave her a formal reception and helicopter tour, but when she asked to walk across the production floor, he had a new community relations program to show her.
The next year, Clotilde visited the Inland plant disguised as a job applicant. After waiting an hour for her interview, she wandered unnoticed down a hallway.
Pushing open a pair of swinging doors, she found herself on the manufacturing floor. "How can I help you?" asked a man whose name badge said he was Jack Miller. Looking around, she noticed the machine and work area were orderly, and the three men seemed to be working together.
Clotilde immediately asked how long Miller had worked for Inland, and she learned he understood the whole plant. She then asked him how he lived on his current income and where she could find the management offices. Miller showed her to the receptionist's desk and returned to work.
Ralph Chink and Bob Yunk teased Miller about her questions, but none of them laughed the next day when they were called into the general manager's office. Clotilde introduced herself and announced they would immediately transition into management positions.
Two years later, Clotilde again walked unannounced into the Inland plant. This time, a friendly receptionist gave her a fifteen-minute tour before showing her into the office.
You might never encounter a disguised CEO, but the kindness you show can have unexpected rewards for everyone. Share what you have with those in your realm of influence.
Bridge Building
Hospitality manifests itself through practical efforts and distinguishes a person who builds a team from a person who uses a team.
Business leaders can show hospitality to coworkers by initiating a department or organizational holiday party. Coworkers can remember one another by sending holiday cards.
During the rest of the year, you can show hospitality by greeting coworkers every morning, by seriously considering a coworker's ideas, and by expressing interest in a coworker's family or hobby. You can rearrange your work environment in order to be friendlier to customers and help customers find the appropriate items.
Sincere hospitality requires a bridge-building attitude, and relational bridges, like physical bridges, need direction, must have a firm foundation, and always work both ways.
Relationships with customers draw direction from customer needs, survive based on the parties' integrity, and involve the exchange of information and goods.
Within an organization, the mission statement and goals provide direction, the integrity of each individual provides the foundation, and the communication between individuals allows progress.
Without reaching out to others, individuals and organizations will wander without clear direction and struggle to relate. This is what happens when organizations fail to respond to customer needs and when individuals struggle to resolve issues around differing self-interest.
In your relationships, develop the mindset and habits necessary to share goals with the other person, guide your responses by the principles of good character, and recognize the other person's contributions to your life.
By Loren Paulsson
The Season for Gratitude
November provides a great occasion to count your blessings and give thanks.
Teach your children the definition of gratefulness: "letting others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life."
Make a list of those who have benefited your family, and discuss ways you can show your appreciation. Remember that gratefulness is more than a feeling. It involves expressing appreciation for others' contributions. Consider these ideas:
- Write "Thank You" notes to schoolteachers.
- Make food or desserts for someone who has helped your family.
- Send notes of appreciation to city leaders, police officers, or other public servants.
- Recall the good things that happened this year, even the unexpected benefits of disappointments.
By Robert Greenlaw
IACC Files: Lima, Peru
The Committee was spreading the vision for a city of character, and the week was filled with many presentations and two-hour training segments.
Many organizations and groups quickly sought to schedule a return trip for further training and implementation. We even had a chance to present the Character First! program to the hotel where we stayed.
When we were not presenting or giving training, we spent our time eating. Wow! Peruvian food is out of this world.
Pictured with me as I head back to the United States are the following committee members: (from left to right) Alberto Salazar, Pastor Miguel, Miguel Cahuatocto, Steven Menzel, Jose Salas, and Rafael Moreno Arista
We hope to return early next year so that we can follow-up on all of the interest.
Steven Menzel, Director of the International Association of Character Cities
