For Labor Day - An Employee Success Story

Note : - On the cusp of Labor Day weekend, and with news of yet another increase in the US unemployment rate, this story of success, both for the employee and the organization I thought would be a rereshing change from the depressing employment news.

This past Saturday night I attended the Rochester Redwings (AAA Baseball) game.  It was as always a fantastic night, Redwings baseball is great family entertainment, and the organization really knows how to put customers first.

During and after the game the Redwings took time to recognize the service and achievements of their General Manager, Dan Mason, who was celebrating his 20-year anniversary of employment with the club. The image on the right is a commemorative poster that was handed out to fans entering the game. Certainly a wonderful accomplishment and it is apparent  the continued success of the club has much to do with his leadership.

What I found interesting in the brief remarks Mr. Mason made during the on-field ceremony was the appreciation and respect with which he spoke of the team's President (his boss) and many of the former employees and managers of the team he had worked with in the last 20 years.

Mr. Mason made a specific point to mention not just how well he had personally been treated during his time with the team, but also how well the organization had treated his entire family. A stong impression was that the team had really embraced the Mr. Mason and his family and that a deep mutual appreciation and respect had developed.

In minor-league sports, there is a strong undercurrent for players, managers, and executives of a 'move up or move out' mentality. Players are putting in their time, honing their skills to try and reach the major leagues, the ultimate goal for all of them. Front-office staff and management as well are frequently just biding their time in long hour, low pay positions, getting important experience in the sports business that they hope to leverage later in their careers.

A successful executive like Mr. Mason surely must have had many opportunities to move on, perhaps to a larger market, possibly to a major league team.  The fact that he has stayed with the Redwings to me is a testament to the ability of an organization, even a small one with limited resources, can engage and attract talented employees. How do the Redwings do this? Through a combination of genuine care for the well-being of the staff and their families, a clear focus on the organization's mission and goals, and a culture that emphasizes fun, experimentation, and excitement. Perhaps Mr. Mason could have left years ago, but for various reasons he has not, and a minor-league franchise like the Redwings has been able to retain major league talent.

What are some other ways that you have seen successful small organizations find, attract, and retain 'big-time' talent?