Voze reposted this
Finding and Honoring the "Kathys" in Your Organization Note* Kathy is real and she works at Voze - Kathy Lee's name was totally NOT changed in order to protect her from all the praise and accolades she should 1000% receive. In the hustle to innovate, hit targets, and lead from the front, companies often find themselves placing attention on the "flashy" or "visible" elements of success—like disruptive products, new technologies, or key executives. However, beneath this visible layer lies a quiet force that holds everything together: the "Kathy" of the company. These individuals may not be at the forefront of innovation or hold high-profile roles, but they are the cultural bedrock and operational backbone of your organization. Competence Breeding Complacency "Kathy" might be in your finance department, managing numbers with precision day after day. She might be in IT, ensuring the systems never fail, or in customer support, turning irate customers into loyal advocates. What distinguishes Kathy is her competence—she gets things done efficiently, quietly, and reliably. Yet it’s this very competence that often results in her being overlooked. When someone is consistently reliable, it’s easy to fall into a mindset of complacency. You assume Kathy will always be there, continuing her excellent work without needing recognition or further investment. The True Value of Kathy: Cultural Keystone Beyond her operational contributions, Kathy is likely a cultural keystone. She’s the one who mentors new hires, embodies company values, and holds institutional knowledge that’s vital to your company’s continuity. She builds trust, not only through her work but also through her consistent presence and reliability. People like Kathy provide a sense of stability in an ever-changing business environment, anchoring the company culture in values like loyalty, diligence, and teamwork. Leadership Wisdom: How to Recognize and Cultivate More "Kathys" As a leader, it’s your responsibility to see beyond the surface and recognize the value of these unsung heroes. Here are some ways to do that: Build a Culture That Values "Kathy" In a world that often glorifies the new and the flashy, it’s essential to remember that sustainable success is built on a foundation of consistent, dependable work. As a leader, it’s your job to not only recognize these hidden heroes but to build an environment where they thrive. Honor their contributions, invest in their growth, and ensure that the next “Kathy” in your organization knows they are valued. Finding and nurturing these keystones could be the secret to not just maintaining success but achieving growth that’s both enduring and scalable. Keep your eye out for these unsung heroes—they might just be the most critical asset you have.