Undercover Boss

Yeah I know what you are thinking, must be some Friday Night blue movie but no, it is the reality show where big time CEOs go undercover to see what life is like for the little people in the trenches.

Not all  bosses are as nice to their staff as I am.  Of course, few bosses are wrapped around their secretary's finger like I am either.  I like to think I am the boss of my little unit but I know deep down she is even though she lets me think I am.    As a coworker said to me once, if my secretary ever said she was leaving, I would be found in my office in the fetal position just rocking away saying no, no no.

The whole concept of Undercover Boss is the corporate disconnect between the cheeses and the little people.  They go out, do the jobs none of us really want to do but many have to do just to survive.  As expected, the CEOs come out in some cathartic (sp) moment and realize that they need to be more in touch with the little people.

Ask yourself , what could you do to find out what your staff are really thinking, what you could do to make them happier in their job, how can you make their day.  If you aren't sure, read books such as the Carrot Principle, the Orange Revolution or the Invisible Employee. 

If you like your staff, if you appreciate what they do, TELL THEM.   Get to know them.  I know many who are too afraid to tell them because they want to keep their work relationship professional but face it, how many people don't want praise/appreciation?  How many don't want to be recognized (well other than that one character in a Taxi episode who worked at a company for 20 years and no one knew his name)? 

Recognize and appreciate.  They are the keys to happy staff.