Category: Leadership Examples
Overview: This Manager Made All the Difference
By: Cynthia Kyriazis, Chief Experience Officer, The Culture Think Tank
A few weeks ago, I went for breakfast to a restaurant I’d heard about from several friends. Fresh food. Sun-drenched atmosphere. Great coffee. OK, I’m in.
So today I had an appointment with my surgeon who happily told me my new hip was rockin’ (in a good way) and that my other hip was fine, I wouldn’t be needing his services any time soon. This was indeed a cause for celebration so I decided to take myself to a nice lunch and this restaurant came to mind. Off I go.
I sat in the same spot and the waitress who waited on me the first time I visited was also the one who waited on me this time. I remembered her as having a big smile, friendly, and accommodating. What surprised me is that she remembered me!
I ordered my food and heard the couple next to me asking her a few questions and then she said…’The truth is, I just really love this company.‘ So of course, you know my radar went up.
Before I finished my lunch I shared with her that when I hear someone say they ‘love’ the company they work for, I just really need to know more and asked if she was willing to share some more information with me. So I asked…
‘Why do you love this company so much?’
Her response was fast.
They respect me.
They listen to me.
They take my suggestions and comments seriously and engage with me through questions.
They acknowledge my work. They even offered a promotion, which I had to turn down because of school demands.
My manager is someone who really cares.
She had obviously given thought to this previously. It reflected what she valued. I said ‘Wow…what great reasons! You’ve obviously thought about this.’ Her response?
Because my manager at the previous company I worked for was horrible. The exact opposite. And the manager reflected the company as a whole.
From the mouths of babes. A young lady who recognized and appreciated a manager and company that listens and cares.
I’ll be going back to this restaurant….because this young lady’s happiness and contentedness is reflected in the level of service she provides.
From her smile to her sharing.
From a manager who cares.
From a company that’s growing a healthy culture.
What do you think is the culture outcome?
My guess? Improved retention, performance and productivity are climbing. Steadily.
I love it when it when culture works!
Cynthia Kyriazis is the Chief Experience Officer for The Culture Think Tank. Her experience includes executive coaching, consulting, and training.
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