Victor Ho founded Fivestars with the mission of “transforming transactions into relationships.” Then the start-up hit a rough patch and needed to lay off 50 people. Best practices suggested handling the lay-offs with surgical precision. Victor felt compelled to take a different approach that was consistent with the company’s values: humbly admitting his mistakes, honoring the workers’ contributions, and mobilizing the entire firm to help those being displaced.
Reflecting on the Story
Connecting to your Work
Personal Application
Kent Keith’s “Changing the world through servant leadership” Download document, then read it. (Note the idea about creating “servant institutions.”)
Father God, I confess I’m selfish. Too often I’m consumed with pursuing my own self-interest. Help me to not only see and hear the lives of my co-workers, but help me to actually serve them. Use me to help them realize their potential. I trust that you’ll take care of me. Pour out my life that they may flourish. Amen.