I’ve recently introduced the television series, “West Wing” to my mom. I’ve watched it before, and I am inspired by the zeal, drive and ideals of some of the characters concerning our country, democracy and politics. We’ve been watching it while I work on the newspaper late at night. I knew she would like it as she has always been interested in the world and politics. She’s always subscribed to various newspapers throughout her life and keeps up with news. There are seven seasons in the series, and we were watching an episode titled, “West Wing Special Episode” in Season 3 the other night. This particular episode highlights some former people that have worked within the White House as they discussed their former positions. They all had very demanding jobs that took over their personal lives, and yet they all said they loved it.

As I said, part of the reason I love the series is the passion with which these people believe in their principles. In reality, what really cranks my tractor is people who dream of how much better we can be as people, as a nation and those who have vision. I love ideas and being in a room with people sharing them. Don’t tell me what I should fear, or what we can’t do or how bad the situation may be, tell me what we can do to make things better. Let’s talk about possible solutions. A spirited debate among people working toward the same goal is growth in action.

In the middle of that special episode the other night, my mom turned to me and said,“You’re only as good as the people around you.” She was referring to the Martin Sheen character, President Jeb Bartlett and his staff. She is so right. For one thing, and this refers to choosing friendships as well, you have to have people who will tell you the brutal truth. You have to have a relationship with trust with people.

This discussion with her made me think about jobs and working relationships. We’ve all had experiences working in less than stellar environments. I firmly believe that employers who create the right environment they will get the best out of people.

I’ve written before about how there’s a difference between leaders and managers. Managers sit back and make sure employees are doing everything right, follow the rules, send in reports, basically, they tell people what to do. Some try to catch employees doing something wrong; that’s hardly a path to boosting employee morale. Leaders, on the other hand, make an effort to talk with employees and ask things such as,“Is there anything that you need to make your job easier?”That question paired with the all-important element of the follow-through and remedying the issue named by employees is how you build company loyalty and great customer service. Three simple things will improve employee morale greatly: Ask what workers need,listen and follow through.It makes for a happier work environment and gratified workers create satisfied customers.

Those who have ever been in the workforce know that the people in the upper ranks of an organization are not often responsible for the results of it. They do, however, often get the credit for the successes and a paycheck that is two and three times that of the average worker within the company. Administrators in a company or organization may say that customers are their responsibility, but when was the last time they actually dealt with them and their needs?

People often confuse rank and authority with leadership. Those in the upper rungs of a company ladder have authority, but it doesn’t automatically make them leaders. Sure, they tell people what to do, but that doesn’t mean that employees will follow them. I’ve said it before, that the best leaders hire talented people and get out of their way and let them do their jobs. And employees’ input should matter concerning changes that affect their work. Leaders foster environments where people can work at their natural best.

It’s often the people on the ground who create the successes. The number 1 responsibility of the executives or administration should be to take care of those doing the grunt work, whatever it may be. And when employees do venture forth to register an issue(s) impeding their work with those in authority positions, the last thing that should happen is for them to be ignored or met with the mindset, “It’s not about you”. That couldn’t be more wrong. The heart of any business is, in fact, those toiling for it. When workers feel taken care of and heard, they will, in turn take care of the business.

Leadership is a choice, not a rank. There are people working at the bottom echelons of many organizations who have no authority, but they are leaders because they have chosen to look after those they are working alongside,shoulder-to-shoulder in the daily grind of the trenches. A leader simultaneously strengthens the business by supporting its people, that’s how they become torchbearers that inspire people to follow. At least that’s what a leader is to me.