"We've got a heck of a story to tell."
Rather than go into the entire story of Southwest Airlines (LUV), it's better to think about the fact that it seems that everyone knows the general story of the airline. That's an extremely important observation and reality.
The first thing to note is that Kelleher believed that Southwest was a great story. It wasn't something he needed to be pushed to believe as a marketing ploy; for him it was real. That is what made him want to tell that story everywhere he went.
Even to this day people continually talk about the story of Southwest Airlines and its legendary leader Herb Kelleher.
I think, whether it's in a division of a company or the overall company, it's a good thing to write down or ask people to remind everyone of the many stories that happen in the history of a company.
Company myths and legends create a continuity that makes the newer workers want to continue on with that great tradition. Telling stories of the battles, triumphs and unique responses to and handling of challenges is a great motivator to our people. Some of them are even part of the legends being told and love to be part of the story that is the company they represent.
When I mention about myths and legends, I'm not talking about making up stories, but recounting the history of true and real events and actions in the company history that have made it what it is today.
Either we should write down unique, inspiring events; or have others do it to keep a history of our journey. All of us should have a "heck of a story to tell."
Other Herb Kelleher Sources:
Herb Kelleher on the Record, Part 1
Belief Model for The Leadership of Herb Kelleher (Southwest Airlines)
Herb Kelleher, Chairman, CEO and President, Southwest Airlines
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