The Corporate Storyteller

Why in the world do employees willingly volunteer for extra work, especially after their normal shift is over? According to a recent Washington Post article reporting on a presentation by former Southwest Airlines CEO Jim Parker, it's because employees "believe in the organization's mission and values; believe that their work matters; respect, and may even like their bosses and co-workers."

As you'll notice, these are the same reasons, the article points out, that people volunteer to help at their churches, local social service agencies, or their children's schools and/or sports organizations. By keeping this in mind--and remembering that most people really do want to contribute their best effort to any cause--you can be a more effective leader with happier, more satisfied employees as well as better-served customers.