In January, brokers House-Winters introduced “Dinner with the Boss” – where, once a month, CEO Sylvia Rankin visits the home of one fortunate employee and dines with their family.
“It’s a chance for our people to see the different sides of Ms. Rankin,” says HR Director Tom Mosberg. “And our research team has determined that she has 18 different sides.”
The employee is selected by a committee of 17 managers from across the company, who review personnel files and other data before narrowing the field to five candidates. The five are then interviewed, as are their bosses. One is ultimately chosen.
Ten days before the dinner, two HR staffers – who work full time on the program – visit the employees’s home for a preliminary inspection. They recommend any modifications that need to take place – cleaning, painting, removal of offensive artwork, etc.
“They’ll come back at least two more times,” says Mosberg, “so that they can go over potential conversational topics, and also impress upon any children the importance of the occasion and what it means to their mom’s or dad’s career.”
Dinner and wines are provided by Ms. Rankin’s personal chef and sommelier, with the family paying only 50 percent of the cost.
Says accountant Janet Wallsburg, who’s family was visited in March: “It was an absolutely wonderful experience with the finest in dining and conversation and Ms. Rankin couldn’t have been more genial to me and my family.”
“Everyone else has been equally effusive!” says Mosberg – with the exception of the January honoree, he acknowledges, who was dismissed two days after the dinner
“That was based entirely on performance,” he says, “ and not on the fact the the family’s teacup poodle relieved itself on Ms. Rankin’s $4500 Louboutins.”
