When we realized that we had missed the exact commemoration dates, it didn’t matter – this is a commemoration we want to recognize! September has come to an end, and yet we need to talk about the second week of September – Compassionate Leaders Week! Is there anything more beneficial to the world than compassionate leadership?
Here is a lead-in from National Day website [LINK]: “Companies today are faced with the decision to become more active in employee lives. In fact, employees, consumers, and stakeholders are demanding that companies take care of their people, their communities, and the world around them, too. Old expectations of working for the bottom line no longer exists as a company goal. In fact, successful companies today work towards a double bottom line, a balance between strengthening the business and the employees that work there.”
When Companies Walk the Walk
Many of our readers know that AMS is a B Corporation, and a B Corporation makes a legal commitment to walk the walk. We know that there are businesses that talk about their care for their employees, or the environment, or the community, but they do little to walk the walk. We asked Google, and found the term “woke washing.”
“The woke washing concept is defined as the appropriation of ethical and progressive values as a form of advertising to improve the reputation of the company without demonstrating a real commitment to the values that are communicated.”
At AMS we put a lot of energy and commitment into doing what we say we believe in, i.e. ethical and progressive values. We say we put People and Planet before Profit, and we do. We consider our stakeholders in business decisions to be our employees, our community, our planet, our clients and ourselves. From a website called “Electives” [LINK] we quote as follows regarding the benefits of compassionate leadership:
“Enhanced employee wellbeing: Leaders who genuinely care for their team members increase job satisfaction and mental wellbeing.
“Improved performance: Employees who feel supported are more motivated to perform at their best, resulting in higher productivity and better outcomes.
“Stronger team cohesion: Compassionate leaders foster an environment of trust and collaboration, leading to more effective teamwork and communication.
“Reduced turnover: A workplace culture where employees feel valued minimizes turnover, saving the organization time and resources.
“Positive organizational reputation: Organizations known for compassionate leadership are more attractive to top talent and can enhance their reputation in the industry.”
A Little History
This week-long commemoration was created by Donato Tramuto and National Day Calendar. In 2001 Donato Tramuto and Jeffrey Porter created the TramutoPorter Foundation after Donato lost two close friends and their son on 9/11. Sadly, they perished in the plane that hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Donato dedicated his life to spreading compassion and hence created Compassionate Leaders Week.
Leadership at AMS
Employees: AMS Fulfillment has always been committed to employees with regard to pay and benefits and safety in the workplace. Around eight years ago AMS decided to set up and fully equip a classroom where they could offer free higher education in association with a local college. Today employees can receive training and higher education during work hours, and many take advantage of the opportunity. Safety is also vital to employees in a warehouse and AMS puts a strong focus on safety. AMS has an exceptionally low incidence of lost-time injuries due to very focused and diligent safety training.
Community: For years we have supported and worked with community organizations to hire individuals with disabilities, people with prison records, homeless persons, single parents – all individuals who experience difficulties in being hired. We also support charitable drives in our communities.
Environment: AMS has a very strong recycling program including proper handling of stretch plastic. We also are very attentive to lighting and energy-saving in our warehouses. AMS offers all clients biodegradable packaging. In 2023 AMS achieved zero emission status and our Green Team continues to find ways of lessening our impact on the environment.
Clients: AMS has an exceptional Client Services department that is personally responsive to clients and their needs, and very dedicated to communication and service.
Leading With Compassion
Here below is another quote from National Day that offers a bit more about leading with compassion:
“Companies today are faced with the decision to become more active in employee lives. In fact, employees, consumers, and stakeholders are demanding that companies take care of their people, their communities, and the world around them, too. Old expectations of working for the bottom line no longer exists as a company goal. In fact, successful companies today work towards a double bottom line, a balance between strengthening the business and the employees that work there.”
We asked Kim Peszek , AMS’ Executive Vice President of Client Relations, to help us conclude on the subject of compassionate leadership and she responded with a quote by John Wooden: “The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example.” Kim said, “This quote resonates with me. Not overly profound, but truth in words through actions.”
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to People and Planet before Profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
