Stronger Through Adversity: World-Class Leaders Share Pandemic-Tested Lessons on Thriving During the Toughest Challenges

  CHAPTER 4  

Practice Employee Obsession

Everyone talks about building a relationship with your customer. I think you build one with your employees first.

—ANGELA AHRENDTS,former Senior Vice President, Retail, Apple

THE DEBATE SHOULD END

In the previous two chapters, we explored the importance of self-care, asking for assistance, and fostering a growth mindset. In the pages ahead, we shift focus from introspection and taking care of yourself and encourage a laser focus on employee well-being.

I realized when I titled this leadership chapter “Practice Employee Obsession” that I was a bit provocative. In its most negative connotation, obsession can be interpreted to mean “practice a disturbing employee preoccupation”—clearly that isn’t what ...