Southwest Airlines Employees are very familiar with the term "moving cheese," and it relates to changes and adapting to those changes. Well, by now you probably know that my life will be changing significantly over the next year or so as I give up my Membership on Southwest's Board of Directors and my Corporate Secretary role in May of 2008 and my title as President next July. I've always felt that change and new challenges are vital to our growth as humans
Rest assured, even though I am giving up my Board Membership and my management position, I won't be going very far because I will still be part of this fantastic Company for five more years after July 2008. Many of you know that, for 40 years, my absolute passion and the thing that gets me out of bed every morning is Customer Service. Keep in mind that, at Southwest Airlines, everyone is in the Customer Service business, whether they be serving our External Customers (our passengers) or our Internal Customers (our Employees), so when I say "Customer Service" I really mean all of you, whether you are an Employee, a Customer, or just a reader of this blog.
I am so excited that I will be able to devote my attention to this passion. In our press release, I said that my duties at Southwest have been a labor of love, but being in labor for 40 years is a bit hard on the body. My avocation will truly be my vocation, and I am looking forward to having more personal contact with our Employees, something I have missed due to the demands of my position. I am also looking forward to a five-day work week after years of working 16 hour days, seven days a week. I'm even looking forward to being a bigger part of this blog in the future.
Herb Kelleher and I are simply taking a step back from our responsibilities, and we can do this because of the vision and Leadership of Gary Kelly, our CEO, and the Team he has built. Herb and I will still be around on a daily basis for six more years, so you aren't getting rid of us, and as Herb said, "this is neither a good bye nor a farewell"--we're just moving some cheese!
Comments
Gosh!
Colleen, you took my breath away for a second there...
Thank you for all those years of dedicated service to Southwest, and really I admire both Herb and you for taking what must have surely been quite a difficult decision!
It is kind of difficult to find the right words, but yet again, through your faith in the Southwest family and your willingness and trust in being led by others, you are setting an example for all of us...
... and as you say, it is nor a good bye or farewell!
:o))
Raphael
Now thats two really BIG pieces of cheese that you are moving!!
You know, the logical part of me can truly understand why it would be time for you to make these changes...You are such a huge part of why SWA has become such a great company..
Although, I have never met you, I seem to be a bit emotional over this press release..
I go back to the logical part of me that knows that you not only know whats best for this wonderful airline but you could use that 5 day work week after all these years of service in such an extremely demanding and dedicated position..
I read your columns and they help us, the customers, see what a caring and wonderful person you seem to be and I have no doubt that your shoes will be huge to fill..
I seem to find myself wanting to both congratulate you and hug you at the same time..
I can only say that I wish you all the best in your change and there is no doubt that your (other) family has to be more than happy to finally have some time with you and you with them...
Both you and Herb have made this company like no other, through hard work, caring and LUV, you have given all of us so much more than an airline...You have given us friendships, trust and the best group of people in the industry!!
Not to mention free drinks, peanuts and lots of smiles.. :o)
Tell Herb that I will be drinking a toast to both of you and give yourself a ((((((BIG HUG))))))))) from me!!
Congrats to both of you!! I hope your spare time is filled with all the LUV that you have shared over the years with all of us..
Colleen,
Thank you for a great blog explanation to help set to rest all of those hearts that are fluttering across the Southwest system, both internally and externally.
When I first saw the news online yesterday, I was both shocked and not at all surprised. Those sorts of announcements, such as the one about you and Herb, always seem to cause us to stop in our tracks for a moment. One minute we're racing down the road and then suddenly we see a speed bump and we hit the brakes. Our forward progress doesn't stop, it just slows down a bit as we go over the bump and then we continue on.
That is why I was not surprised. Following Herb's reassurances to people after his health issues a few years ago, it became very clear that a lot of thought and care had gone into designing a continuity plan that would safeguard the health of Southwest Airlines, as a highly successful business model and as a place oozing with CULTURE.
As much as we as people want to cling to our heroes and leaders (which you both clearly are), we have to be reminded that the greatest gift and legacy a leader can give is not the success of the organization during their constant presence, but its success after they have left it. A great deal of the legacy that both of you, but you in particular, will leave at Southwest is the very special culture that flows through the bloodstreams of 33,000+ Employees, and through them, out to millions more of your Customers.
Of course, a huge part of our confidence that you give us is embodied in so many very talented and skilled leaders who manage all of the day to day activities of Southwest. Naturally, the epitome of that leadership is found in Gary, who we know will continue to demonstrate a Servant Heart, a Warrior Spirit and a Fun-LUVing attitude as he keeps Southwest the best airline in the world!
Best wishes always to you and Herb on a well-deserved "step back",
Kim
External Blog Boy :)
Colleen,
Such outpourings right from the heart make it real clear why SWA is a very different company. Of all the corporate blogs that are out on the internet, SWA is simply the best. Unlike others, the company culture and image are the same.
All the best for your vacation..
rgds
Sajith
Colleen,
Thanks for all that you do. Southwest continues to thrive because of you and your fellow employees. I always equate the golden rule with Southwest because you guys truly treat others the way you would want to be treated. You guys have done so much for those of us serving in our military and we are forever grateful. You are a true leader in that you put others before yourself. 16hour days seven days a week..... what a labor of love and i thought i had a rough schedule. take care .....
USS BLOG BOY
Maybe Herb will go into business consulting? If I am ever start a new business of any kind, I would love to have a few hours with Herb just to pick his brain.
Colleen and Herb, the stitches that hold this company's heart and soul, our creators of culture, and my pride as an employee. You both deserve a break but I'll still be here with open arms when you all decide to "boomerang."
Much Luv to you both,
Kristen Francis
Colleen,
When I first read the news a multitude of emotions filled my body. Shock, sadness, numbness, worry for the future, but glee for you and Herb. Although I don't have the pleasure of seeing both of you each day in the Big-D, all the ways you have communicated to me makes me feel like I'm right there in Dallas.
I am so thankful you have brought this wonderful company to fruition to allow me to have a great career that brings together my SWA family with my own family. I know after you leave we will be able to maintain the culture you have taught each and every one of us. Although you will still be working for the next few years I wish you the very best and will continue to look forward to your column in the next issues of LUV Lines. When I no longer see "Colleen's Corner" then I will be truly sad yet it will be with a smile to know you will be happy in you next phase of life.
Thank You!!
I have said it a hundred times: If Herb Kelleher is the "soul" of SWA, Colleen is undoubtably the "heart" of this great company.
Glad to hear you will be taking some more well-earned time off while still remaining associated with a group that needs you as much as you need us. Thank YOU for your dedication to the customers and employees of Southwest Airlines.
You truly changed the world.
Ray Stark
PHX Captain
To Colleen and Herb,
Congratulations!! Congratulations for so many things. Congratulations for creating and nurturing the best company in the world! Congratulations for having foresight, incredible planning and decision making skills! Congratulations for the superb employee selection process that SWA has apparently utilized over the past 30 something years! Congratulations for making this difficult decision to take a much needed break! You both definitely deserve it.
I am a retired SWA employee, still enjoying the freedom to fly and so many other benefits that I have come away with as an employee of SWA. I learned so very much at SWA - I learned how to love people (not just family), I learned how to have fun and work hard so that others could have fun an enjoy life. I learned how to appreciate team spirit and the SWA culture. I learned that people like Herb and Colleen and Gary don't just happen! I feel super blessed and extremely fortunate to have worked for a company that is led by such indomitable forces.
When I first received the news, I set dumbfounded - a bit in shock. I then said to myself, "Oh, my goodness, what is going to happen to SWA." I soon regrouped and realized that Herb and Colleen know exactly what they are doing. As leaders, they know that they are leaving the company in good hands with Gary and all the rest of that 30,000 something employees that really love SWA and share in its culture. So, why am I doing all this babbling? Because I wanted to say 3 things: 1) Congratulations, 2) I have the greatest respect for you and the company that you have so lovingly built, and 3) Thank you for allowing me to share a few years of my life at SWA.
I wish you both the best!!
Post new comment