After 9/11, all U.S. airlines were faced with this same crisis. One that succeeded through the difficulty was Southwest Airlines, already known for its outstanding customer service. Southwests passengers, flight attendants, pilots and ground crews were stranded all across the country after the terrorist attacks. But unlike their competition, Southwests leadership did more than just sit and wait. They encouraged employees to leverage their trademark fun approach to business and to help stranded customers enjoy themselves at the movies or the local bowling alley. And when the ramifications of the shutdown forced other airlines to cut staff, Southwests then-CEO, James Parker,

announced just three days after 9/11 that the company would be keeping all of its employees, as well as issuing a profit-sharing payment.

What leadership style was used by the CEO to ensure that employees and the company were able to manage this troubling time? Why do you think the CEO also announced a profit sharing scheme just 3 days after 9/11?