The Best Kind of Bosses

Story Line:

It was late evening of December 24, 2003. We were travelling in India with our friends Rajni and Asha in their car. After a long and exhausting day we reached the ethnic village resort they had booked for the night.

When Rajni had made bookings at that place, he had booked a room for the driver as well. The resort people had mentioned that they have separate arrangement for them, including blankets and other things. So, when we reached there he asked for the dorm for the driver. They said that all rooms were fully occupied due to a sudden rush and they could not oblige. They said all drivers usually sleep in the vehicle. Rajni offered to pay extra but they said they had no space. After a yelling match, finally they relented and said they will offer him space in a dorm. He went and told the driver that they are supposed to put him up in a dorm and give blankets and if they don't then go to his room and inform him. Jasbir, the driver, waited near a bonfire trying to keep warm.

Rajni went again after half an hour to verify. Jasbir was still outside near the fire. Rajni stormed inside the resort lobby and told the manager to refund money and said that that we would go elsewhere where drivers are considered as human. So, they finally opened up the dorm and not only Jasbir but all drivers of other guests also got in. He waited outside till late night until he was convinced that they were OK.

Reflection:

What I witnessed the next morning has stayed with me for the rest of my life.

After checking out from the place we were walking to our car. Several drivers of other resort guests were waiting to meet Rajni. They said that because of him they had a place to sleep, otherwise they would have frozen at night in their owners’ cars because the outside fire could not have been on the whole night. One driver also mentioned that people don't care for poor people like them as much and they appreciated what had happened the previous night.

When I looked at Jasbir, our friend’s driver, he had a glow on his face and watery eyes. When we parted ways, I remember Jasbir’s goodbye to me, with that glow on his face he said, “I am proud to work for your friend.”

Comments

[CH]

Touching story. I have watery eyes too while reading to last paragraph.

[Fr Pulao Penang]

Leadership with great tips from an article titled; 10 Habits of Super Likeable Leaders, by Travis Bradberry, co-author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0

1. They Form Personal Connections
2. They’re Approachable
3. They’re Humble
4. They’re Positive
5. They’re Even-Keeled
6. They’re Generous
7. They Demonstrate Integrity
8. They Read People Like A Book
9. They Appreciate Potential
10. They Have Substance
Daniel Quinn said, “Charisma only wins people’s attention. Once you have their attention, you have to have something to tell them.” Likeable leaders understand that their knowledge and expertise are critical to the success of everyone who follows them. Therefore, they regularly connect with people to share their substance (as opposed to superficial small talk). Likeable leaders don’t puff themselves up or pretend to be something they’re not, because they don’t have to. They have substance, and they share it with their people.
Bringing It All Together
Likeability isn’t a birthright; it results from acquirable skills that are crucial to your professional success. And just like any other professional skills, you can study the people who have them, copy what works, and adapt them to your own style. Try these ten strategies and watch your likeability soar.

[KD]

Yes Impossible to forget.
Thanks.

[Harshvir]

Will improve myself after reading this !!!!!!!!

[AH]

The leader who leads out of fear is the one who will never truly get the best out of his people and they will eventually leave.

The leader who earns respect and trust from employees is the one you will give 200% for and be with for the long haul.

[SP]

"Work for someone who believes in you, because when they believe in you, they'll invest in you." - Marissa Mayer. A quote which struck a chord with me - like your story did!

[JR Smith]

When leader creates an environment in which people feel that someone has my back they will do extraordinary things.

[BHSC]

What a wonderful story… a role model for all of us… thank you for sharing!

[CEO of a successful hightech company. (rcvd by email Posted by FR team)]

A great story and gave me a reason to review myself as a boss!!

[Thomas]

There are many humble people who toil hard to assist you while you are busy doing your very important job. If you stay in hotels, don't forget to leave a tip for the housekeeper, to show how much you appreciate the clean comfortable room they provide you with. That $5-10 means nothing to you and everything to them.

[Basant]

A very human story! When I was in the army, comfort of our drivers was of utmost concern. There was no question of their sleeping in the vehicle. They deserved almost same level of ease and convenience as officers. It was understood that their welfare is very important for the morale of all soldiers.

[Sam]

Really good real life story. Caring for people as individuals and not based on their job or wealth is key factor of a good leader. Doing something for somebody who cannot return back the favor is key for giving.

[Humble Warrior]

I love a boss who will fight for his team- incredible!