Do Right by Your Employees

"Our mission statement about treating people with respect and dignity is not just words but a creed we live by every day. You can't expect your employees to exceed the expectations of your customers if you don't exceed the employees' expectations of management."

Howard Schultz, President Starbucks


In any company, people are your greatest assets. In the run-up to increase revenues, boost profits, and build shareholder value, many leaders forget about the employees and workers who make up the backbone of their company.

It takes followers to be a leader. Great leaders take the time to develop their people by treating them fairly, righteously and judiciously. Your reputation as a corporate boss will turn not only on the bottom line, but how you manage and treat people.

If you came up through the ranks, don’t forget how it feels to be in the lower and middle rungs of the corporate ladder. If you helicoptered in from a top post at another company, you might want to spend a little time getting to know the people who make up your workforce. It will be time well spent.

Finally, try your best not to isolate yourself and your top executives from the people who work for your company. Avoid the bubble syndrome.

I know it’s hard to identify with regular people now that you have use of the corporate jet, limousines, executive retreats, exclusive clubs, golf memberships and other great perks. But be sensitive, be engaged, and be righteous. Your people want to work for a “good guy.”

(c) Adonis E. Hoffman, 2008.