If you have not caught an episode of the CBS produced show “Undercover Boss“, I would highly recommend it. The synopsis: Each week CBS offers Presidents and CEOs an opportunity to work at entry level positions within their own company to gain insight on the policies they’ve instituted.
Larry O’Donnell, President and COO of Waste Management was this week’s choice. He changed his name and took on five entry level jobs within Waste Management ranging from recycling to cleaning Port-O-Potty toilets. He was able to experience first hand, the physical and mental stamina it took to carry out these jobs every day, as well as employee frustration due to over-bearing policies. O’Donnell also experienced first hand what it was like to be fired from a job as he quickly realized he didn’t have what it took to keep up. The experience left the President realizing that a lot of the policies he put in place were unrealistic and were causing great frustration. He also learned that despite employee frustrations they truly wanted him and the company to succeed as much as possible. With a new perspective O’Donnell is now committed to making Waste Management a better place to work for all.
It is a great that O’Donnell made the conscious decision to step down from the executive office to work side-by-side with those he would have never met otherwise. A move as such requires a true passion for wanting to see others besides yourself succeed. It takes a character that is protective of not just the company you operate but of the people who help to shape it. Not to mention it requires eating some humble pie as well. A decision as simple as “coming down to earth” can and in Waste Management’s case will take a great company and make it much better. And if the company is operating under less frustration, happier employees and a President who is truly in sync, just imagine the endless possibilities for great service extended towards their customers.
