 For over 36 years, our President, Colleen Barrett, has kept Southwest Airlines’ famous Culture beating strong by nurturing our now 33,000+ Employees. One “secret” to keeping the Company thriving is Colleen’s belief in community service and her encouragement of Employees to volunteer in their communities.
Colleen feels that if a company wants its employees to be good neighbors and corporate citizens, its Leaders must set the standard and lead by example. It is crucial that Leaders show employees that they themselves are willing to volunteer on their own time, in order to encourage others to do the same.
She emphasizes that at Southwest Airlines, we hire People who instinctively and intuitively do what's right and who have a passion for helping others. Our Employees volunteer in their communities because they truly care about their neighbors, and because it is simply the right thing to do.
For Colleen, Living the Southwest Way is truly a way of life. Colleen’s views on volunteering were shaped early in her career, and she credits her teachers for instilling in her a strong belief in many values.
When asked about the benefits from volunteering together as a Team, Colleen is passionate: “The results that come from Teamwork and Teambuilding are intangible and priceless. There is a sense of pride in the accomplishment that cannot be matched by simply working as individuals on any effort.”
She adds, “It is important to have an avocation that is also your vocation. You have to want to do it in order to be dedicated to the cause. As long as I feel I’m making a positive difference, I feel fulfilled in the work that I’m doing.”
Colleen has several “favorite” service projects with which Southwest Employees have been involved over the years, but the Ronald McDonald House holds an extra special place in her heart. Colleen loves children, and she learned many years ago through her work at the Ronald McDonald House that it is better to give than receive! “If you have a personal passion for something, choose a cause that interests you. Everyone is different, but if you choose something you truly believe in, the rewards will come.”
“Volunteering is a perfect way for People to exercise the attributes that are essential to Living the Southwest Way. It takes a Warrior Spirit; a Servant’s Heart; and a Fun-LUVing Attitude to make a difference in our communities. I encourage each of our Employees to find a cause that he or she is passionate about, and reap the rewards of giving back.”
|
