I have admired Southwest Airlines as an airline since I was a young man, and Southwest as an employer for almost as long -- and I do not even work for SWA.
Although I sure gave a lot of thought to applying for a PR position at one time, but I just had too much ink running through my veins.
I am a newspaperman, a reporter for a small daily, and frankly, I've always loved newpapers.
That said, I pride myself on a few observational skills. The public can see how SWA treats it in the air, on the ground, in the pocketbook; the public reacts with return business.
There have been countless "feel good" stories and magazine features about the philosophy of the person at the top. And even for those who pride themselves on staying neutral, it was hard not to root for the little Goliath seeking more airline routes and airport gates.
Everyone I know wanted SWA to add more cities, but still retain a small town/small airline personality.
But then a great friend of mine named Alison Hoefler became a SWA employee. If what I'd heard about SWA was right, I figured Alison had made a good decision; this is a woman who always has a smile and has remained grounded and maintained a positive attitude all of the years I've known her.
She loves SWA, and man, she could make anyone question their own employment decisions when she talks about the balance of professionalism and FUN expected by her company.
You have to admire a company that is that community oriented, but never loses sight of its employees.
Yes, I am surprised that SWA gave 21 employees $10,000 because this country is facing hard times. Just as an example, look at what is happening to the newspaper industry.
On the other hand, NO, I am not surprised that SWA rewarded 21 employees because, from the eyes of an outsider, placing high value on all of its employees is something this company does every day.
Sure, I had my fingers crossed, hoping my friend might have earned a $10,000 bonus. LOL. (Didn't happen.)
But as gratifying as it was to see all of those people opening those valuable cases in this film, I hope everyone noticed the reactions of their fellow employees at every location. I saw no neutral expressions; no people with their arms crossed, waiting to move on. A company rewarded a few employees, and other employees were happy for those who were chosen.
It's not all about the money.
Young men and women consider so many aspects before choosing a career and one job over another. The older that one becomes, the more he or she realizes that one of the first things a young person in the work force should check into is how a respective employer is known to treat its work force.
I apologize for writing a book here. But watching this on my computer screen just put a smile on my face.
It made me feel good knowing that Business can recognize the bigger benefis of walking with, and not on top of, its people.
Good for you, Southwest.
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