A Second Rate Idea

I don't understand the way things are anymore. Used to be, a person worked hard, mastered their job, devoted to it years of service and loyalty, and the company knew to give 'em a pat on the head and a roof over their head. It was all about trust and reciprocity. When times were lean, they problem-solved like good partners do. Eighty years after the Depression what lingers are those inspirational stories of corporate heads taking big salary cuts and workers offering to split their shifts so their buddy can stay on the payroll. Corporate America knew their success was intertwined with their workers.

That's not a common belief anymore, that big business will take one for the team. 'Experience' is being let go in record numbers, replaced with young grasshopper workers who are cheap and inexperienced. Maybe retirement is too pricey, I don't know, but it's hard to swallow bailout money being used to buy corporate jets and host lavish parties. That $100K office remodel would hold a couple three workers in their jobs for a year. Even worse, it creates a reciprocal user environment of self centered, unmotivated, uninspired workers. What a second rate idea.

There's a reason folks make a 35 minute drive to see their dentist twice year and chit chat about the kids. It's standing room only at that out-of-the-way sushi restaurant because the sushi chef remembers his customer's favorite rolls. Sure, there are businesses closer to home, but it's not the same.

Truth is, I seek connections. It's why I have a favorite clerk at the market and why we patronize the little theatre downtown instead of the big one at the end of town. It's good to know who will pick up the phone, someone to trust to have answers, who knows me.

With all these layoffs, I'm wondering how these big dogs gauge the market value of this kind of customer service, or even if they do. All of America is watching and wondering: has our corporate country lost its conscience?

I assumed we'd already learned the different ways to measure success. Throwing resources and faith behind their workers when it's needed most will translate into white hot profits. At the very least, and this is huge, it would restore our faith in corporate America to do the ethical thing, not just what benefits them.