Original and authentic leaders tend to find creative ways to engage and build trust with their staff. I had the privilege of meeting a Chief Executive Officer recently that had a great sense of humor and wore a full-body hotdog suit to host a cookout for his staff. He wore this costume while serving at a hotdog cookout to acknowledge all of his employees. He served up hotdogs and all of the fixings for “National Hot Dog Day”. When he shared with me a photo of him in this hotdog costume, I immediately laughed and thought how ridiculous it was. But after further reflection, it warmed my heart.
I have since asked from leaders who I am coaching, “What is your hotdog suit”? They think I’m crazy when I ask this question, but what I am really asking is “when was the last time” they let down their guard and practiced a bit of humility to build trust with their team.
So, I ask each of you, what behavior or activity have you engaged in that represents your hotdog suit? My sense of humility has always been humor and transparency. I tell stories about my interests, my family, and even my limitations and failures.
Halloween 2013
Over the years, I have dressed as Where’s Waldo, Duck Dynasty, The Cat in the Hat, and a dog in the doghouse at work. I can’t say that I’ve ever donned a hotdog suit, but I can certainly understand why it might be a really good idea. Take the time to figure out what your hotdog suit is, and wear it often. It is a great way to build trust, loyalty, and teamwork.
