This again?

Let’s start off on the right foot

“I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.” —Lou Holtz 

The skinny 

This year, let's resolve to put people before profit.   

♥ 

Truly terrifying.

The scene: paramedics performing CPR on Damar Hamlin, the crowd in disbelief; announcers filling the silence. On Monday night, the NFL suspended a game for the first time in their history. In 1971, the show went on even after a player's death. Today, while many fans applaud the NFL's decision, others are reminded of an organization already in the hot seat for how they treat their on-field employees. 

Game over.

While this moment is certainly a timely nudge to prioritize our health no matter the age, it's also a monumental reminder for leaders to know when to call the game. Yes, even the most important game of the season. Human beings must always come before profit. 

Let's get real.

If you don't do what's right, your people may very well do it anyway - with or without you. For Hamlin, players and fans began exiting the stadium a full 45 minutes before the NFL officially suspended the game. 

So what?

Most of us want to act with integrity, right? Many organizations are adjusting their business practices to share meaningful values with both consumers and employees. But leading by example internally is one of the most powerful things managers can do to deepen the mission and create a positive work culture.

This again?

More than motivating, work culture has a direct impact on health and happiness. Unreasonable workloads and blame-culture are having detrimental consequences on employees. Especially as half of us are worried about covering our family's basic needs in the current economy, it's important that leaders remember that work, stress, and chronic diseases go hand-in-hand.

Wiggle room.

Don't hesitate, just call it. How many missed deadlines actually cause disaster? How many late mornings are caused by late nights with little ones? The work can wiggle, but the work culture can't. Employers, let's find patience and empathy in 2023.