The Third Leg

I learned that a milkstool always has three legs to ensure stability....two legs- not enough support ; four legs- too many variables.

On the new reality show, "Undercover Boss" cameras follow executives on a journey to work the fields with the hourly employees that fuel their businesses. The promotions contrast the plain-talk and gumption of employees with the disbelief and impotence of executives as the white-collar men fumble through menial tasks like picking up paper with a stick or brewing a pot of coffee. The show seems to be to be a very public display things great companies do privately, whether or not the cameras are rolling: soliciting feedback and, more importantly acting on that feedback. Feedback from employees, from leadership, from clients. In a two person interaction it is easy to crowd out third party feedback. But remember, without a third leg, the stool will fall down.