Credit: USA Today
Labor Day is a good day to reflect on the significance of a recent, unusual labor dispute.
The Market Basket grocery chain is back up and running at full throttle. It had come to a standstill when employees walked out after protesting the release of their beloved CEO, Arthur T. DeMoulas, in a family feud.
Employees adored Artie T. because he gave the company a soul. He knew their names, birthdays and milestones. He would call when their family members were in the hospital. He fought to keep strong wages, bonuses and benefits while maintaining low prices for customers.
The customers also showed extraordinary loyalty to both the workers and former CEO by refusing to shop at the store until he was reinstated.
Artie T. reminds us that an effective leader remembers that people are still essential to the business. He brings both the human, caring side and the strategic, financial responsibilities to the role.
We often hear that people join an organization and leave bosses. The Market Basket case reinforces the power of one’s leadership legacy.
- What do your team members really need?
- How do you show that you care about them?
- What is the impact of these actions?
Happy Labor Day!