Why Unions Make Justin Foster Wrong

Submitted by Corey Smith on Wed, 05/28/2008 - 06:01

unions on strike The thought of empowering people so they fill the gaps in processes and procedures is a simplistic perspective on the argument for finding the right people.

Justin Foster says, "The Right People will help create the right processes!" While I agree with that, so often, finding the right people is either illusive or impossible.

One of the key factors his argument doesn't take into consideration is that of unions. I have talked on this subject a little before. But I would like to share another example.

My sister-in-law purchased a treadmill last week. The delivery driver was going to drop it off in the garage. It was fully assembled and was incredibly awkward and heavy.

She asked him to take it inside.

He wasn't happy about the request.

He brought it into the front room but was asked to take it downstairs.

He said that his union rules prevented him from taking it any further... so he left it.

Good businesses are designed to keep the customer first in mind.

Good unions are designed to keep the employee first in mind.

If you have those two different visions in your business, you will never be able to find the right people that are willing to put the customer first and fill in the procedural gaps.



Corey Smith is the president of Tribute Media a web development firm providing high performing, industry specific websites. He is a businessman, writer, technology fanatic, graphic designer and web developer. His greatest passion is teaching, consulting and speaking.

You can find him on Twitter, FaceBook, FriendFeed, and LinkedIn.

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Submitted by Greg (not verified) on Wed, 05/28/2008 - 19:26.
Spot On! I grew up in Detroit. Through the 70's, 80's and 90's I watched unions destroy the American automakers. My father was a teacher, and often my summer jobs required union membership. My personal opinion, unions hold the members back. Poor guy can't walk down the stairs, an electrician can not sweep the floor, painters can not replace light bulbs...all true! And I bet there are still turkey sandwiches inside the passenger door of some Caddy somewhere... Unions discussions would fill 1000's of blogs - and get some people sharing space with Hoffa (Jimmy Sr.)

Submitted by Justin Foster (not verified) on Thu, 05/29/2008 - 16:45.
Thanks for the headline billing - I'm flattered! I totally agree with you on unions. I'm sure there are examples of them being useful, but they have become somewhat of a relic. That said, companies that stick to the Right People philosophy rarely have union issues - or a union at all. In fact, I'd venture to say that if your business has to deal with a union, there is probably something wrong with your brand - i.e. many airlines and car manufacturers. Which is really the whole point - all branding starts internally. Create a family environment. Have fun. Don't suck.
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