TV show creator Phil Rosenthal is an example of how to connect to others and lead through gratitude and generosity.
Key Details
- Phil Rosenthal is the creator of the TV series Everybody Loves Raymond and Somebody Feed Phil and he is currently touring for new his new book Somebody Feed Phil The Book.
- Forbes contributor Roberta Matuson attended a sold-out book tour appearance on December 11 in Boston hosted by Rosenthal.
- He calls Rosenthal the “real deal” and someone whose leadership skills should be emulated, that he speaks generously, connects meaningfully with his audience, and cares about the employees who work under him.
Why it’s Important
Power has the ability to turn good people into cruel leaders, but there is always the choice not to. Rosenthal has experienced more than his fair share of casual cruelty from bosses in the past but he chooses to move forward and invest those experiences into better connections with new people he meets.
His book and Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil are all about how people around the world connect to each other over food.
“Sometimes, when employees get promoted at work, they transition into people, we barely recognize. They get power-hungry and forget those who helped them get to where they are. Don’t let this happen to you. Be like Phil. Be the real deal. You’ll be a much better leader, and chances are that people will remain with you because they want to and not because they have to,” says Matuson.
Key Takeaways
Rosenthal’s Boston speech went over the original time limit but Rosenthal was certain to answer every question addressed to him and meaningfully engage with audience members who stood up and approached him.
More than just giving attention to employees, Rosenthal discusses how sharing fortune and success to them too is important. He shared a story about his early years working in the entertainment industry and how his office was scolded by management over using milk in the refrigerator for cereal, largely among poor employees who weren’t making enough money for meals. The company was literally “crying poverty over spilled milk.” He committed himself to make sure any company he ran in the future wouldn’t act so stingy towards its employees.
“In the scheme of things, these expenditures are investments—not expenses. If you feed the heart and soul of your people (and in some cases their stomach), they’ll remain with you for years to come,” says Matuson.
Proceeds from the book tour are being donated to the ALS Foundation, Forbes reports.
