Twenty-seven years ago this month, co-author and business partner Richard Hadden and I released our first expensive business card, ‘er book, “Contented Cows Give Better Milk.”  Trading on the very real example of dairy cattle, it makes a powerful, still relevant and data-driven argument that focused, fired up, capably led people get more stuff done, because they can, and in the company of capable leaders, they want to. 

As a side note, before moving on, we remain grateful to Carnation Foods (a Nestle Company), who had the good heart to allow us to borrow the expression, “from Contented Cows” as long claimed on their cans of condensed milk product. No lawyers, no money, no drama.

Though we’ve freshened the business case and spotlighted newer exemplars in subsequent editions of the book, the bottom line remains the same; treating people right, to include with high expectations, is still one of the very best things you can do for your organization’s customers, your bottom line, and yes, your employer reputation.  For what it’s worth, treating people “right” doesn’t mean with kid gloves, soft/squishy standards, or low expectations; to the contrary.

I’m driven to spotlight this principle because we’re presently witnessing a very real and expensive leadership and employee relations seminar being played out on our screens daily, as our (US) federal government threatens, fires, unfires, and refires federal workers throughout the government seemingly without rhyme, reason, or care.  It’s almost as if managers get extra points for meanness, and someone atop the house believes that reminding people daily that you can take their job away is somehow good for motivation and productivity… it’s not.  We’d all do well to be reminded that there are more of “them” than there are of “us.” 

That is particularly true in the case of people who, out of their leaders’ carelessness or mean spiritedness, are fired and subsequently unfired, as if that somehow makes things all better.  It doesn’t even come close. People will carry with them forever the face, the voice, the tone, the exact words, and the method of the person who did it to them!  You can’t UNsay the words or UNdo the actions!  Separating people from the workforce and a given workplace is at times necessary.  Good leaders see to it that that this hard business is handled with care, decency, and consideration, every time. A lot of people are watching, and theorizing that they, too, would be treated in the same manner.

The world has gotten much smaller, and for better or worse, our reputations as leaders travel quickly and widely. Treat your rep well, and it will serve you in good stead.  Moo!