Janitor versus CEO

Actually living this requires more than a smile and back-pat and asking about the next football game. It means recognizing the janitor's status as a team member and finding ways to help make their job easier.

I worked at a department store for two years, collecting the trash from the cashier stations, cleaning the toilets every night, assisting customers with heavy appliances, working on the loading dock, and delivering stock to the sales areas. It was the employees and area sales managers who were not only nice but also thought ahead about the impact to us, who pitched in to unload boxes, etc., that we respected and trusted.

I still remember the name of the best ASM we had, totally humble and very real - Joanne. Another ASM who stands out was really cool, too. She was very gorgeous and stylish but also extremely grounded and gritty and not afraid to do the unpleasant work with us. She left us to become the manager of the first Victoria's Secret in Huntsville. Then there were other departments where we were treated with open contempt.

That was all thirty years ago. Sticks with you, though.