Frater Leading By Example During Trying Times

SEATTLE, Wash. - These are truly extraordinary times. It's times like these that will distinguish outstanding leaders from their counterparts. All are being severely tested during this economic crisis. Some will be identified like the emperor who wore no clothes, while others will stand out for their ability to keep hope, trust and performance high during this time of extreme crisis.

The question of the day for leaders: Is the herd behind you? Leaders are nothing without followers. These are tough times for leaders. Many can be helped by learning ways to keep employees engaged. One such example is Frater Howard Schultz (Theta-Iota, Northern Michigan Univ.) CEO & Founder of Starbucks Coffee.

Business as usual doesn't cut it anymore. In this new cutback, layoff world, top management needs to take the lead. The Starbucks Chief Executive Howard Schultz is being praised for his leading by example with a hefty pay cut (from $1.2 million to below $10,000 a year). The bottom line here -- his salary cut could well save someone's job. Schultz has demonstrated by his action that he, too, is willing to sacrifice. When leaders ask their people to sacrifice without being willing to sacrifice themselves, it rings hollow. Either we're in this together or we're not. Leaders who want to keep their work force engaged and motivated during these times need to pay critical attention to how they are modeling what they are asking from others.

The Offices of the Grand Chapter applaud Frater Schultz's efforts in these tough times. It is this type of leadership Tau Kappa Epsilon strives to instill in members. Build a Better Man to Build a Better World.

Adapted from article on Seattlepi.com from author Maureen Moriarty. If you would like to see your chapter or alumni news here, contact Director of Communication Tom McAninch.