Unsung Work Heroes

We don’t write anthems, poems, or books about unsung work heroes, but maybe we should. I’ve studied and run focus groups for hundreds of teams; these heroes exist in every company, even yours. Easily overlooked, they come from all walks of life. But make no mistake, they are the backbone of any quality organization.

They’re the accounting team keeping the books straight, the middle managers holding the department together, and the assistants who keep leaders on track.

They’re the apartment community maintenance crew, the fixer EVP who rallies the team after the CEO’s grand vision, and the teacher guiding your kids.

They’re the servers and restaurant managers, the bus drivers, the mail carriers, the priests, rabbis, monks, ministers, or clergy offering guidance at your place of worship.

They’re the special needs young man named Nick who carefully balanced my heavy grocery bags today.

So, what drives these unsung heroes? How do they quietly work their magic?

When I talk to them, I hear about prioritizing people over processes and seeing their work as an ethical service rooted in moral self-leadership. This deeply humanistic approach goes beyond just doing the job.

Here’s what I’ve noticed the unsung heroes have in common:

Hold a Moral Center.

When we approach our work through a moral code, the better angels of our nature show up. This attitude brings the best parts of ourselves and others forward. In doing so, we help others become their best versions. In turn, when the care in the work and others improves, it directly affects the quality of the end results.

Attitude of Joy.

More than competence, it’s warmth that draws people in. Putting some love into work brings authentic joy to work, sparking the best in themselves and others. Take Ted Lasso as an example. Even in the face of debilitating anxiety, he exuded a sense of humor and a playful spirit. His lightness sparked the best of himself and the people around him.

View of Reciprocity.

“The moral covenant of reciprocity calls us to honor our responsibilities for all we have been given, for all that we have taken,” writes Robin Wall Kimmerer. Reciprocity begins with gratitude.

When we’re grateful, it flips a switch in our hearts and minds. It reminds us that we often already have enough—enough to feel secure, enough to feel fulfilled. When we recognize our enoughness, our craving for more diminishes. We then take only what we truly need. When gratitude is our first instinct, reciprocity naturally becomes our next move. Reciprocity is the heart of a virtuous cycle.

Mindful Attentiveness.

“This is the first, wildest and wisest thing I know: that the soul exists, and that it is built entirely out of attentiveness,” wrote the poet Mary Oliver.

The leaders we admire have a knack for being fully present for the people around them. Instead of being self-obsessed, they spotlight others, making them feel seen, heard, noticed, and valued.

The way you see me shapes how I see myself. When you pay caring and kind attention to someone, they flourish. It works both ways.

Absence of the Need for Acclaim.

In a society obsessed with fame and selfies, the smallest gestures leave the deepest imprint. Unsung heroes don’t seek recognition, but their impact is undeniable.

It was Nick, the young man who carefully balanced my heavy bags of groceries at my local market—something none of us pay for—who reminded me of the importance of quality of care. Although I thanked him and shared my appreciation with the store manager, he might not know it, but he made my day.

These everyday acts of thoughtfulness weave the fabric of our work and society. Unsung heroes quietly lift us, which starts a virtuous cycle. How we approach and do our work is just as vital as getting the work done.

If you want a more trusting team, a culture of belonging or a magnetic brand that attracts more of the right customers, I can help. If you'd like to explore if working together makes sense, drop me a line.

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