Celebrating Labor Day

Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday on June 28, 1894, when President Grover Cleveland signed it into law. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans and is celebrated with parties, street parades and athletic events.

But let us not speed through this holiday weekend without reflecting on the significant impact that strong leadership has on organizations—for good and for evil. In the late 1800’s, organizational leaders did not universally care for their employees as workers or as fellow human beings. Low wages, poor working conditions, lack of benefits, uncompassionate policies all left the working man and child in a cruel cycle of desperation—to work or not to work at their own detriment.

From the standpoint of a leader, care and compassion for one’s team should be evident. Sure, businesses must survive, and hard decisions must be made, but not by treating others inhumanely. Happy team members elicit greater productivity and experience greater satisfaction on the job. Meditate for a moment on having a leader who seeks to know you, to appreciate you, to speak words of life and faith in you, who seeks to help you develop your skills. Labor Day reminds us of the need for intentional and compassionate leadership investment. Every day. Every week. Every month. Every year. But its mighty impact dwells in those singular moments that we purposefully and thoughtfully invest goodness in another person, both personally and professionally.

Furthermore, reflect on the power of a committed Change Agent. A group of individuals recognized pervasive injustice and the need to speak up for change. Through opposition, heated debate, emotional and physical effort, and strategic planning, the message of this group spread across the country and led to national transformation—not just the formation of a holiday, but a dramatic shift in corporate thinking about their workers. Justice rolled down like a river…but it took time, courage, and perseverance.

Do you recognize the need for change? Be the one to speak up, to make recommendations, to implement compassionate ideas. The world still needs leaders who do good, ones who speak up for those in need and exemplify what it means to be human. Lead well…so that the people you serve can be assured of a better tomorrow because you chose to care.

In what area(s) can you advocate for change for the increased well-being of your team members?