Walking in Your Shoes
I was watching Oprah today. The show was covering some behind-the-scenes looks at this new show called "Undercover Boss" that will be premiering after the Superbowl later this week. Just as the title says, the show's all about CEO's who go undercover to walk in the shoes of their employees.
You can criticize Oprah all you want, and I personally don't agree with her views on spirituality, but you have to admit she's got a great show and some great people working for her.
Today's show featured the people on the front lines--those who work as janitors, low-level managers, trash sorters, and toilet cleaners. Why were they featured? I think it's because they were ordinary people who were able to undertake their responsibilities in a manner that influenced those around them.
Three characteristics of influencers, no matter where you fall on the ladder:
- Humility - These employees weren't working for the money, for the acclaim, for the prestige. They were working to provide for their families who depended on them, and considered themselves to be a part of the community they were working in.
- A Can-Do Attitude - Many employees were going through dialysis or some other health issue that should have impaired them from doing their jobs. Instead, they were overcoming their difficulties, doing what was necessary, but also going beyond what was expected of them!
- Joy - These employees didn't let their circumstances determine their outlook on life. One employee even made the mundane (cleaning out port-o-potties) into an adventure.
As someone who is in a position of leadership and influence, I learned a few things too.
Three things every leader can do to encourage and equip others:
- Validate Others - Just as much as you wish others could walk in your shoes, recognize that at the core of everyone who's trying to do their best is the need for validation. A little recognition can go a long way.
- Measure Twice, Cut Once - During missions trips in Mexico we would always just have enough to build one house. There was no such thing as "extra material." We were always told, "Measure twice and cut once." Essentially, make sure that the decisions you make take into consideration the resources you have and how it will effect the whole. Good decisions aren't just about the bottom line, they are about people and the quality of their lives.
- Stay Rooted - Everyone starts somewhere and no one gets to the top alone. Too often success is accounted to one's own work ethic, but a great company or a great church must recognize that the real work must be in equipping the whole and not just one person's acclaim.
