LinkedIn News’ Post

What a human being Mr Daunt is! I'd work for him in a New York minute. Makes me recall a time when I worked in a restaurant in Santa Barbara. I'd managed a restaurant in Texas, but the competition amongst my fellow surf-obsessed peers was intense, and I was lucky to land a hosting gig. One night the manager told me to retrieve something from the office safe. He gave me the combination. Surprised, I got what he wanted, then asked if he regularly gave the safe combo to employees. He said "If you've not hired people you can trust, you've hired the wrong people." My experience is that he was right. And, as Mr. Daunt says, if you truly empower people, develop them, and tolerate some mistakes along the way, you'll greatly increase your chances of business success.

Word on the ground is they are still understaffing terribly and that means pressure on staff and annoying customers…. Hope that’s changing.

I think it’s kind of funny that we are applauding a CEO that is doing what companies used to do, before shareholders and profit margins became the only focus. I will say this till I’m blue in the face or I keel over dead: Employees are the most valuable resource a company has. Not all are good, but the ones that are usually get pigeonholed in a position management thinks they need to stay in because they are good at it, instead of cultivating strong leaders. And the worst employees are the ones that not only hold onto a position far longer than needed, but often promoted. It’s been so backwards for so long that here we are applauding a guy who is doing what was normal 70 years ago.

Hiring talent based on ability, and aptitude, then allowing them to do their jobs with accountability has always been a key in developing competitive organizations. It also elevates job satisfaction amongst employees.

Trust is absolutely critical in the workplace. It not only fosters a positive and collaborative environment, but it also empowers team members to take ownership of their work and make decisions that drive success. When team members feel trusted, they are more likely to go above and beyond, think creatively, and take risks that can lead to innovation. In my experience, I have found that building trust starts with effective communication and transparency. Regularly sharing information about the company's goals, challenges, and successes helps create a sense of unity and purpose among team members. It's also important to provide opportunities for professional growth and development, allowing individuals to showcase their talents and contribute in meaningful ways. Additionally, empowering your team means giving them the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work. By trusting employees to do their jobs well, leaders can foster a culture of responsibility and accountability. This not only improves job satisfaction but also leads to better outcomes for the organization as a whole.

And maybe he can strategize on how to appreciate long term customers. I was a Barnes and Noble member since its launch in 2001….22 years! and not even a “thank you” or a thank you coupon for a cup of coffee for being a loyal customer who renewed year after year after year. (Not to mention the amount of books I’ve purchased even when friends kept (keep) telling me Amazon is cheaper, I bought from B&N. It was a sad day this fall when I decided to not renew. I still haven’t cut up my original membership card…..I need time to grieve.

The ability to recognize and nurture talent is a skill sorely lacking in too many C-suite execs. especially when politics and connections exert undue influence. But CEOs who do have the ability to recognize and nurture talent and resist pressure from directors and shareholders aiming to give their cronies plum positions, and who can also step back and give their talented teams latitude to work with minimal constraint, understand what leadership means.

Empowering a team involves fostering an environment where each member feels valued, trusted, and equipped to contribute their best. I do this by encouraging open communication, delegating responsibilities based on strengths, and providing resources for growth. It's crucial because when team members feel empowered, they become more engaged, motivated, and take ownership of their work. Empowerment also leads to increased innovation and better problem-solving ultimately driving the team towards achieving its goals more effectively. LinkedIn News

In my perspective, trust is the cornerstone of a thriving workplace environment. James Daunt's strategy of identifying ambitious and talented individuals and allowing them the freedom to open doors aligns perfectly with my beliefs about fostering a positive and innovative work culture. When trust is established, it becomes a catalyst for collaboration, creativity, and a sense of ownership among team members. I firmly believe that when team members feel trusted, they are more likely to take initiative, showcase their talents, and contribute their best efforts to achieve collective goals. Empowering individuals to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions not only enhances their professional growth but also contributes significantly to the overall success of the organization. As we navigate our own professional journeys, I find it valuable to reflect on success stories like Barnes & Noble's transformation. It reinforces the idea that trust is not just a buzzword but a powerful catalyst for positive change and innovation. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the importance of trust in our workplace and how we can collectively embrace a culture of empowerment.