Above and Beyond

I read an amazing story this morning.

Text: We just received an unsolicited DM. A woman lost her mom less than a week ago. She also accepted a new sales job during that same time. She told her new manager. Know what he did? He kept the same start date. Gave her an immediate 6 weeks paid leave. Delayed her ramp time by that 6 weeks. Signed her up for direct deposit to pay her asap. 6 weeks, paid. And she hasn't even started. She told me she broke out in tears. She's going to run through a wall for that manager. For that company. And I'd guarantee they'll make that 6 weeks of salary back in her work, her recruiting of others, the employee brand that she'll extend at every chance she gets. How's that for signaling 'we got you?'

Not every company has the flexibility to do something like this, of course.

But as leaders, we have opportunities to be “great bosses” from time to time. Make the most of those opportunities. When your team members have challenges, have their backs. The loyalty generated by such actions will create high morale and retention.

(image source: https://www.upworthy.com/bereavement-leave-for-new-hire)