Throw Back Thursday: Everybody Leads; Everybody Cares

"Likewise, inspire and encourage your teams, “honk” by recognizing and rewarding an employee with a pat on the back, a kudo, a special mention during the daily huddle, it will go a long way to making everyone feel appreciated as well as promote camaraderie and teamwork."

Good Morning Folks,

Whether you have heard this tale before, or are taking it on for the first time, today's "TBT" post will always lift you up.

There was a time when the lone eagle on the mountain was a popular symbol for leadership.  But in a fast-moving organization such as FSO, we should have – MUST HAVE – leaders at EVERY position.  If you want a better metaphor than the eagle, consider the wild and wily Great Northern Geese.

EVERYONE is ALIGNED:  
A flock of Great Northern Geese will fly thousands of miles in a perfect V formation – and therein lies the secret: As each bird moves its great wings, it creates an uplift for the bird following.  Formation flying is 70 percent more efficient than flying alone.  If every associate at every site is aligned and FOCUSED  on delivering the hospitality experience, we will create an uplift for each other to continue delivering white glove service as a unit.

EVERYONE LEADS:  
At a distance, the flock appears to be guided by a single leader.  The lead bird does in fact guide the formation, winging smoothly and confidently through the oncoming elements.  If the lead bird tires, however, it rotates back into formation and another bird moves quickly to the point position.  Leadership is willingly shared, and each bird knows exactly where the entire group is headed.  At FSO, every associate knows where we are headed and can see 2020 clearly.  Each one of our teammates should be able to wing smoothly and confidently through any and all challenges they may face on a daily basis.

EVERYONE INSPIRES:  
Each flock finds its own unique rhythm and spirit.  The pulsating sound of the huge wings beating together excites and energizes the entire formation.  The geese enthusiastically honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up with their speed.  Likewise, inspire and encourage your teams, “honk” by recognizing and rewarding an employee with a pat on the back, a kudo, a special mention during the daily huddle, it will go a long way to making everyone feel appreciated as well as promote camaraderie and teamwork.

EVERYONE CARES:  
In good time or bad, Great Northern Geese stand by each other.  When a member of the flock gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it.  They stay with it until it is able to fly again.  Then they soar off together to catch up with their flock.  Know that you have easy access to an entire NATION of counterparts that can support you and guide you at any time…  all you have to do is reach out and they will help and support you to soar along with the rest, the best, FSO.

If WE have as much sense as geese, we TOO will share the leadership and stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

What a terrific, informative and timely message for all of us at FSO. Absolutely loved the message of unity, leadership and teamwork and I am always amazed how much we can learn from one of God's creatures.

In the spirit of the season.... CHEERS!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more,
do more and become more, you are a leader." 
~~John Quincy Adams

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