When you take the time to find out what employees are thinking—about their jobs, about how your company does things, what processes they think could use improvement, and what their overall engagement level is—it’s eye-opening, emotionally impactful, and often leads to positive changes that can boost business results.
I’m sure by now you’ve heard of “Undercover Boss.” No, I’m not talking about the implementation of naptime breaks at your company. “Undercover Boss” is a reality TV series where high-ranking executives go undercover within their own organizations to gain insights into their employees’ experiences, connect with them on a personal level, and identify areas for improvement.
Employing the principles of my system, Profit First, will provide you with some of the same insights that will boost your business—and you don’t have to go undercover!
What You May Find Out May Hurt – At First
Overall, “Undercover Boss” is a bit of a spy game. The experience for the owner often evokes a range of emotions:
- Surprise: Business owners may initially be surprised by the challenges and experiences their employees on the front lines face. They may encounter situations or issues that were previously unknown or overlooked.
- Empathy: Through their undercover experiences, business owners often develop a deeper sense of empathy for their employees. They gain a better understanding of the daily struggles, concerns, and aspirations of their workforce.
- Gratitude: Many business owners express gratitude for the hard work and dedication demonstrated by their employees. They may feel appreciative of the contributions made by their staff and inspired by their stories of resilience and perseverance.
- Responsibility: Participating in “Undercover Boss” can also evoke a sense of responsibility among business owners to address issues and implement changes within their organizations. They may feel a renewed commitment to improving working conditions, employee morale, and overall company culture.
- Accountability: The show holds business owners accountable for the experiences of their employees and the overall success of their organizations. They may feel a heightened sense of accountability to address any shortcomings or areas for improvement highlighted during their undercover experiences.
- Inspiration: Despite encountering challenges, many business owners find inspiration in the dedication and passion displayed by their employees. They may be inspired to lead with greater empathy, compassion, and integrity, striving to create a positive work environment for their staff.
Where Profit First Principles Apply
All of this directly affects the company’s bottom line, which of course, got me thinking about some of my systems, especially Profit First. What are the correlations? Glad you asked!
- Financial Awareness: “Undercover Boss” often highlights the importance of financial awareness among employees at various levels of the organization. Similarly, Profit First emphasizes the significance of financial literacy and awareness for business owners and employees alike. By implementing the principles of Profit First, companies can foster a culture of financial responsibility and empower employees to contribute to the company’s financial success.
- Expense Management: In “Undercover Boss,” executives often gain insights into areas where the company is overspending or wasting resources. Profit First provides strategies for effectively managing expenses and optimizing resource allocation to maximize profitability. By identifying and addressing inefficiencies, companies can improve their financial performance and increase their bottom line.
- Employee Engagement: “Undercover Boss” showcases the impact of employee engagement on business success. Executives can foster a positive work environment and improve employee morale by connecting with frontline employees and understanding their challenges and concerns. Profit First emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in achieving financial goals, as motivated and invested employees are more likely to contribute to the company’s profitability.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Both “Undercover Boss” and Profit First highlight the importance of long-term sustainability for businesses. By implementing sound financial management practices and prioritizing profitability, companies can boost business results, effectively position themselves for long-term success, and weather economic challenges.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask
How can you do some undercover sleuthing yourself? You can start with anonymous surveys and a few company gatherings (keep them casual, like a lunch). Be transparent about the state of the business and create a safe space for employees to be honest about their work experience with your company and innovations they think may help boost business results.
You’ve got this!
