Career
A couple of weeks ago while advancing in my goal to read an article that discusses my vocation, I came across this quote:
Herb Kelleher
"Years ago, business gurus used to apply the business school conundrum to me: 'Who comes first? Your shareholders, your employees, or your customers?' I said, 'Well, that's easy,' but my response was heresy at that time. I said employees come first and if employees are treated right, they treat the outside world right, the outside world uses the company's product again, and that makes the shareholders happy. That really is the way that it works, and it's not a conundrum at all."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5693896
While reading this I was expecting him to say that the customer comes first. I was greatly taken back when he said the employee comes first. What a novel concept! Everything I have read about business, management, or customer service leads to this concept even if they don't say it directly.
After reading this I was blunt enough to ask the director of my group the question that was asked of Herb. The director pondered it for a good long while. I don't blame this person if for not trying to answer the question right away. However, after we went on with our conversation about the organization and what our values are, it became increasingly apparent that it is in fact the employee that should come first. Amazing!
With this in mind, anytime I interview for a position at another institution or talk to a client about their business, I will always remember what is most important.
A couple of weeks ago while advancing in my goal to read an article that discusses my vocation, I came across this quote:
Herb Kelleher
"Years ago, business gurus used to apply the business school conundrum to me: 'Who comes first? Your shareholders, your employees, or your customers?' I said, 'Well, that's easy,' but my response was heresy at that time. I said employees come first and if employees are treated right, they treat the outside world right, the outside world uses the company's product again, and that makes the shareholders happy. That really is the way that it works, and it's not a conundrum at all."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5693896
While reading this I was expecting him to say that the customer comes first. I was greatly taken back when he said the employee comes first. What a novel concept! Everything I have read about business, management, or customer service leads to this concept even if they don't say it directly.
After reading this I was blunt enough to ask the director of my group the question that was asked of Herb. The director pondered it for a good long while. I don't blame this person if for not trying to answer the question right away. However, after we went on with our conversation about the organization and what our values are, it became increasingly apparent that it is in fact the employee that should come first. Amazing!
With this in mind, anytime I interview for a position at another institution or talk to a client about their business, I will always remember what is most important.
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