The Container Store CEO Melissa Reiff believes in an organizational culture that puts employees first. The turnover in the company is around 10% compared with nearly 100% turnover in the retail industry. The organizational culture began when the company was started by founder Kip Tindell. Reiff is the new face of executive leadership at The Container Store. Her management philosophy is based on conscious leadership and the belief that companies must serve a higher purpose. She expects her executives to practice servant leadership and constantly listen, improve, and do the right thing. The culture is based on treating all stakeholders with responsibility, respect, and dignity.......

Discussion Questions

1. Review the definitions of servant leadership dimensions from this chapter. Explain which of the behaviors Melissa Reiff demonstrates: behaving ethically, creating value for the community, putting others first, helping others grow and succeed, emotional healing, empowering others, and conceptual skills.

2. Do you see any risks related to the seven foundational principles? For example, what are the potential issues with employees knowing everything? What are the potential issues with “man in the desert” selling by offering customers items they did not come to the store to buy?

3. Do some additional research on “conscious capitalism.” What are the core principles of this philosophy? Do you believe that more businesses should adopt this approach? Explain your position.