Management Rallies the Troops
In keeping with the theme of this year’s annual meeting (“We Lead Because You Lead”), the opening sequence this morning consisted of a montage of Edina Realty agents — all 2,300 of us! (and yes, I caught a glimpse of myself).
I don’t know if it was the catchy score, or the fact that I knew so many of the faces, or all the diversity on display.
But, it felt meaningful and inclusive (vs. sappy).
Marketing Hits — and Misses
By contrast, I remember when I worked for Prudential in the 1980’s, and some management consultant must have recommended that the company do something to make its employees feel more appreciated.
So, the company newsletter started printing the names of all the employees celebrating their birthdays that week.
The catch was that, with over 100,000 employees, the “birthday recognition page” included more than 2,000 names each week, and you literally had to take out a magnifying glass to see your own.
Instead of feeling special, you felt even more like a cog in the wheel.
