We Put People First. But Do We?
“Our most successful leaders are people who put other people first … in the long run, that’s exactly what makes them successful.”
~Blake Roney, American businessman
A worker was driving his company’s large commercial truck to the recycle station for emptying, when he noticed an older gentleman sitting on a bench on the side of the service road. The gentleman looked tired and dazed. The worker slowed down, stopped, and asked the older gentleman if he was okay. The man replied, “Can I get a ride to my car?” The worker slowly pulled his truck to the side of the road, turned the engine off and got out. He knew the rules of the company and the strict “no rider” policy. “I am sorry I can’t give you a lift to your car, but let’s get you to your car.” He walked with the older gentleman to his car, asking questions along the way to ensure he was indeed okay to drive home. After about a 15 minute walk the two reached the older gentleman’s car. They parted ways and everyone made it to their destinations safely.
By acting, the worker was living his belief ‘people first’. It wasn’t efficient, or work related, but it was impactful. It was impactful to at least two people, the worker and older gentleman. But it also made an impact on my son who witnessed it and shared it with me.
It’s hard to teach, ‘People First.’ Many of us including me, believe that our people are the most valuable resource we have. They truly make all the difference in our results. Focusing on our people is a recipe for success, a part of our core values. This worker however, acted with the belief that by “people” we mean not just employees, but people overall. Honestly, I don’t know if I would have taken the time to make sure that gentleman made it safely to his car. The voice in my head might be saying, “But you have other items that need to get done!” and that voice would have been right. This example made me stop and re-think how I view ‘People First.’ Like the worker, I slowed down and “checked in.”
It is a good life lesson. Slow down, ask, listen. Do what you can, make a difference for the one person.
People first.
Keep cultivating your leaders!
Jeff
