Comments on: Sticking Your Neck Out For Employees

By: Jane

Jane — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:49:50 +0000

I feel that it is really important to watch out for people in your surroundings. When you do that people will make sure to watch out for you.

By: Mark Feldman

Mark Feldman — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:22:48 +0000

Paul Levy has his own blog called “Running a Hospital,” where he talks extensively about the feedback (positive & negative) he has been getting about his decisions. http://runningahospital.blogspot.com/

By: Madeline

Madeline — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:28:11 +0000

Years ago when I was working at a large advertising agency here in Boston we lost our biggest account. Finances dictated that some employees had to be let go. But in an incredible show of community spirit and solidarity, three of the highest paid employees in the Creative Department donated a large percentage of their salary to the Creative Department salary pool, thereby saving the jobs of four employees. To all employed people throughout our United States, I would say that if there is something you can do to help save the job of a co-worker, without sacrificing your own job or family security, it is incumbent upon you to do so. It is benevolent actions such as these which are the hallmark of the American spirit, and which have allowed us as a nation and as a people to be so successful.

By: Chevenee Reavis

Chevenee Reavis — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:58:14 +0000

This is a great story. A similar story from the Emerald City took place at Starbucks global headquarters just a few weeks ago. During an emotional period, employees gathered around the atrium to talk openly about impending layoffs. One executive stood up and said that he would gladly take a 50% pay cut if it meant one or more of his colleagues could keep their job. The human resources partner in the room quickly cut him off and told him that they have looked into every option and that just wasn’t one of them. CEO Howard Schultz was also in the room. He promptly told the human resources partner to look into it AGAIN. Now, whether or not this was realistic, giving people an opportunity to weigh in and contribute to the solution invariably makes people feel more positive. Our economy is in tough times but if we work on solutions collectively, I belive we can inspire, empower, and most importantly, bounce back.