LEADERS SHOULD BE SERVANTS FIRST

Almost daily I see so-called leaders fail to maximize the potential of those they are supposed to be leading. I see this as a reflection of what is being taught in colleges and universities across America. I encounter corporations, businesses, schools and institutions that are less than what they should be because of poor leadership. It is sad to see an organization with poor morale and the leader is either not aware or does not care. Sometimes a false feeling of importance keeps a leader acting as though he/she is someone more special than those they should be leading.

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet a lady who serves as she leads. She has built a nation-wide business that is more than flourishing. Maxine Clark is the chief executive of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Maxine is the past president of Payless ShoeSource, Inc (Sue cannot pass a Payless store without going in). Maxine Clark cares about the employees of Build-A-Bear. She is putting so much in making sure their needs are being met. They can even bring a dog to work. She does not act as though she is above anyone else, rather goes the extra mile to be of assistance. Maxine was named a Customer-Centered Leader in the 2005 Customer First Awards by Fast Company. She was named one of the Wonder Women of Toys by Playthings magazine and Women in Toys. She has authored "The Bear Necessities of Business: Building a Company with Heart," which was published by Wiley.

I told Maxine that she needs to go to Baylor and help the Baylor Bears win some football games. She replied that she is opening a Build-A-Bear store in Waco.

Maxine Clark personifies a great leader. Without a doubt, she is one.