Another great story in celebration of National Boss Day….

In a Business Class interview, Joy Hakan shared memories about the years she worked with Chancellor William Aycock (Chancellor at UNC-Chapel Hill from 1957-1964).

She said that he commanded great respect because he gave great respect.  He did this in many ways. 

 He showed genuine care and interest in others by knowing their names and asking about family members by name.

 He regularly went to the YMCA for a soda, sat on the wall and talked with people as they passed by.  Or he would slip away to the baseball field and hang out.

Some might think he was goofing off during these outings.   But he learned a lot this way.  In the process, he let people know he was human, an ordinary guy.  Not above others at the university.

 He was also good at working with others.  At a meeting, he would get everyone in the room and say, “Okay boys – we have a problem.”    

It made people in the meeting feel like, “I’m a part of this – my opinion counts.”

 Then together, they would work out a solution and Mr. Aycock would say, “Boys, I think you’ve solved it!”

 Everyone left the room feeling accomplished and appreciated.

 Genuine interest, asking for and listening to input, appreciation, recognition — a  powerful message from a powerful boss.

copyright 2009 – Business Class Inc