"Undercover Boss" says Love Works
When Joel Manby showed up at the theme parks his company owns for the CBS TV show “Undercover Boss,” he was hoping to see the core principles of his company in action. Joel is the President and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, which owns and operates dozens of theme parks across the country such as Dollywood, Stone Mountain in Georgia and, Silver Dollar City.
What Joel found can be viewed by clicking on the videos below, but he also explains the concepts in his book, Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders (Zondervan). The seven principles are:
- Patient: Have Self-Control in Difficult Situations
- Kind: Show Encouragement and Enthusiasm
- Trusting: Place Confidence in Someone
- Unselfish: Think of Yourself Less
- Truthful: Define Reality Corporately and Individually
- Forgiving: Release the Grip of the Grudge
- Dedicated: Stick to Your Values in All Circumstances
The book is well written, easy to read and the chapter summaries are especially beneficial for quick review. I think the greatest take-a-way for me was the simple yet practical ideas. I personally feel I can put some of those ideas discussed into practice immediately, such as:
- Four Components of proper correction (Pg. 49)
- “…you have the opportunity to make their day better or make their day worse.” (Pg. 54) (Joel’s mother’s admonition to him as a teen)
- The truth is this: interrupting is a sign of distrust. (Pg. 73)
- Socratic leadership attracts and keeps stronger talent than autocratic leadership does. (Pg. 104)
- “Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” (Pg. 146)
- One of the primary roles of the leader is to give hope. (Pg. 150)
The concept of love is not usually the first thought that comes to mind when you think of a book on leadership, but Joel shows that Love Works. This is a worthy read and has some practical insights for young leaders and some good reminders for veterans.
[Disclosure of Material Connection: Zondervan sent me a free review copy of this book. I was not asked to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”]
