Al Bryant  |  Marketing Consultant
(877) 456-2867 x4287  |  abryant@deltalocums.com  

Over the last 15 months or so it seems that every day I hear something about the state of our economy and how everyone is being affected and forced to make difficult decisions.

Recently, I came across an article by a Globe columnist named Kevin Cullen that put a big smile on my face and really made me feel good about the way people always come together in ways to make life better for every one. The article was about a hospital CEO in Massachusetts that was contemplating layoffs to some of the hospitals employees. Before a crowd of hospital employees, he presented the idea of everyone making a bigger sacrifice and giving up more of their salary or benefits. “Wow!” I thought, "this could have really taken a wrong turn for this hospital CEO," but instead the auditorium erupted in applause.

When the applause subsided, he went on to tell the workers, all of whom make the hospital function successfully, that he wanted their ideas. The consensus was that the workers did not want anyone to get laid off, and were willing to give up pay and benefits to make sure that didn’t happen.  Ideas like working one less day a week, forgoing a scheduled 3% raise or bonuses, even giving up some vacation and sick time, were just a few of the many ideas the CEO received. In a time where I seem to hear more and more about difficult situations happening to good people, it’s refreshing to hear about people coming together and making sacrifices that have a positive effect on everyone.

[ A Head with a Heart - via BostonGlobe.com ]