When it comes to talking about the type of leader we want to be and work for, many times the discussion focuses on the skills we need to practice, the mindset we need, and the habits we should cultivate. Today I have a story that just took place that demonstrates everything we’ve been talking about.
I’m excited to share this story because it’s a positive example with tangible results and involves someone a lot like you and me. A leader who doesn’t often proclaim their work because they are humble and isn’t looking for the spotlight. And if they can make a huge impact, so can we!
My friend, Jeff, is the Director of Quality. There was an issue with parts they sent to a local but big manufacturer (you’d know them if I mentioned the name). The customer needed the parts for production that night.
Jeff told the technician that deals with these issues that he needed to go to the customer and sort parts. The tech sighed and agreed. Jeff asked him what was up and the tech said he promised his wife they would celebrate her birthday with a nice dinner. The tech followed-up saying his wife would understand if he rescheduled, as she used to be employed by the customer.
Instead of saying, “Thanks for rescheduling,” Jeff said, “I’ll follow you there.”
The tech didn’t know what to make of it. Jeff explained that the two of them together could sort the parts fast and the celebratory birthday dinner commitment could be saved.
The two of them sorted parts very quickly to get production up and running.
That’s a good leadership story all by itself, isn’t it?
But wait! There’s more!
The tech was of course grateful, and I’m sure his wife was too.
Someone else took note – the customer.
They couldn’t believe the director came to help sort dirty parts. They thought so much of it that they classified the incident such that it wouldn’t cost Jeff’s company a boatload of money in future inspections.
And, I took note. Jeff didn’t tell me the story to toot his own horn (is that still a saying?). It came up as we talked about leadership styles (yes, I talk about this stuff all the time).
I want to share with you because it’s a real-world example of someone a lot like us walking the talk of Q2 Leadership. Having empathy and stepping up to help not because he wanted the customer to like him, or the tech to owe him something, or to look good for his boss, but because it was the right thing to do.
If you have a story of Q2 Leadership in action, let me know! I’d love to share it with a greater audience because it’s comforting to know this stuff really happens.