‘Heart counts, not Head counts’: Leader who changed the Game
CLA Global Indus Value Consulting
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During the 2008 recession, Barry-Wehmiller Company, had about US$3 billion in revenue, and 8000 employees, lost 30 percent of its orders. The immediate reaction of the Board was to suggest the lay off to maintain the financial equilibrium.
But the situation became dramatic when Chairman Bob Chapman refused the Board's proposal. Bob believes in heart counts, not headcounts. He came up with a solution where every employee had to take four weeks of unpaid vacation whenever they wanted so that everyone could suffer little instead of a few employees forced to leave their job, and their morale went up dramatically. Bob announced, "It was better that we all suffer a little rather than any of us should have to suffer a lot.” This move was triggered by positive ‘emotion’ that irreversibly changes the situation, creating a new set of options and choices and thus, the plot unfolds dramatically.
The Chairman (leader) transferred the game to promise everyone's mutual benefit. Thus, neither party has any dilemma rather than carrying the belonging of trust & cooperation. Company saved $20 million —later returning the lost pay across the next three quarters. Bob's incredible approach helped employees feel safe and protected and made the workforce's morale stronger, which is genuinely ‘A Humane Leadership.’
Our partner, Dr. Suman R Sensarma , explains this remarkable case in his thought-provoking article, drawing from Drama Theory ( a ‘liberated’ development of game theory) and leadership.
Bob Chapman’s story reminds us that true leadership manifests the measure of success by the way we touch the lives of people.
You can also listen to his podcast episode here:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7266661886299922432/
Discover how leadership rooted in empathy can redefine business outcomes.
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