By Douglas R. Satterfield | August 7, 2020
[August 7, 2020] Theodore Roosevelt became the youngest President in the Nation’s history when he assumed those responsibilities upon the death of William McKinley. Roosevelt took the view that the Presidency was the “steward of the people.” And, we can find a similar leadership philosophy in the company called Trader Joe’s.
“It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage that we move on to better things.” – Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States
Trader Joe’s core values include “producing customer wow experiences,kaizen, treating its store as a brand, integrity and being product-driven.”1 Its values maintain the top quality services characterizing the company and setting it apart as a unique enterprise. These core values are what makes them successful:
- Producing customer wow experiences,
- Kaizen (a Japanese word for improvement or change for the better)
- Treating its store as a brand
- Integrity
- Being product driven
To meet these values, Trader Joe’s highly values making its customers the priority of the company by ensuring they are treated in the best ways possible, packaged in the variety of products made in the spirit ofkaizenor constant improvement at all levels.
Trader Joe’s also ensures the progressive growth of the company by instilling a sense of teamwork and cooperation as a slogan to guarantee everyone stays in line with the store’s branding expectations. It also emphasizes on doing right at all times, as this is what leads to the growth of the company in all spheres, including how it treats its customers differently from the rest.
Recently, the company became embroiled in a controversy about its product names. There were complaints that product names, such a “Trader Giotto” and “Trader Jose” were racist. Leaders at the company announced they would not be removing the food labels because “the intentions behind them are not and never were racist.”2 Of course, no apology would have sufficed, so Trader Joe’s did what it should have done, it stood up for itself and its customers. Good leadership in action.
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Darwin Lippe Great place to eat. Fun people that run the Trader Joe’s near me.
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- Dennis Mathes
Loving Trader Joe’s …. go there, you will love them too.
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- Gil Johnson
Thanks Gen. Satterfield for showing us what real leadership is about. I never shopped in a Trader Joes because they are not around where I live. But if I get the chance, I will shop there and tell them I support their standing tall in the face of fascists like those who accuse them of racism. ?
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- Tom Bushmaster
According to CNN, Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben’s, Mrs. Butterworth’s, among others, have made the decision to either change or retire their product packaging. We have a name for these people …. Wait for it….wait for it…wait for it… COWARDS.
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- old warrior
I couldn’t agree more. I’m not buying their products any more. Mrs. Butterworth’s is all sugar anyway. Time to re-evaluate my health. Their products are junk.
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- Danny Burkholder
Of course, the LA Times got it all wrong except that the origins of the “racist” accusations came from a mama’s boy, 17 years old who had nothing to do and will never be anybody ever ever. You can read the LA Times story here but note that they got it WRONG again; https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-07-21/protests-trader-joes-racist-labeling
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- Newbie Yunger
You can wipe your you-know-what with this paper. Journalism is in freefall. Just look anywhere to see it. It’s not just the NY Times.
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- Janna Faulkner
More on the petition: https://www.deseret.com/2020/7/20/21331738/trader-joes-controversy-racist-packaging
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- Max Foster
Here is their formal statement about the racist charges (which were ridiculous anyway): “A few weeks ago, an online petition was launched calling on us to ‘remove racist packaging from [our] products,’” the company said. “Following were inaccurate reports that the petition prompted us to take action. We want to be clear: We disagree that any of these labels are racist. We do not make decisions based on petitions. We make decisions based on what customers purchase, as well as the feedback we receive from our customers and Crew Members. If we feel there is need for change, we do not hesitate to take action.”
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- Len Jakosky
This is encouraging to see, since many companies choose to appease the mob rather than fight back.
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- Harry Donner
Brands such as Land O’Lakes, Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben’s, and several others have been forced to rebrand over similar accusations of racism, and not one of the companies behind these brands pushed back. And it’s hard to blame them: It does seem easier to take the loss quietly than to be subjected to a frenzy of vicious online hate.
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- KenFBrown
We’ve seen lives destroyed by an ever-growing, militant online mob that makes up the rules as it goes and leaves no room for forgiveness.
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- Lynn Pitts
You can read the HATE from those who hate all … it’s called “Unionize Trader Joe’s”. Read them on Twitter and see the hate for all its Marxist roots. https://twitter.com/TraderJoesUnion
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- Yusaf from Texas
Trader Joe’s tidbits — https://www.traderjoes.com/digin/category/Entertaining
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- Willie Shrumburger
This is what I like most about Trader Joes: “Sale” is a four-letter word to us. We have low prices, every day. NO coupons. NO membership cards. NO discounts. NO glitzy promotions or couponing wars at our stores. We offer the best everyday values, every day.
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- Greg Heyman
I love Trader Joes stores. I’ve been shopping in my local Trader Joes now for at least a decade. Their products are worth the money and the friendly atmosphere is inviting. Thanks Gen Satterfield for telling me about their core values. Well done!
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- Randy Goodman
Yes, same here in Chicago. Trader Joe’s, River North (696) is THE BEST. Go there if you get a chance. https://locations.traderjoes.com/il/chicago/696/ Their Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate is top notch.
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- Dead Pool Guy
Always the best service and good people working there. Sometimes you have to figure out what you want but the people working in these stores are friendly and helpful too.
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Darwin Lippe 
Dennis Mathes 
Gil Johnson 
Otto Z. Zuckermann 
Tom Bushmaster 
old warrior 
Danny Burkholder 
Newbie Yunger 
Janna Faulkner 
Max Foster 
Len Jakosky 
Harry Donner 
KenFBrown 
Lynn Pitts 
Yusaf from Texas 
Willie Shrumburger 
Greg Heyman 
Randy Goodman 
Dead Pool Guy Leave a Reply
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As someone deeply immersed in the field of leadership and organizational behavior, it's evident that the article authored by Douglas R. Satterfield on August 7, 2020, delves into the dynamic leadership philosophy shared by Theodore Roosevelt and the successful company Trader Joe's. The intricate connection between historical leadership principles and contemporary business practices is explored, emphasizing the core values that define both Roosevelt's approach to presidency and Trader Joe's as a unique enterprise.
The article commences by highlighting Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, underscoring his belief that the President is the "steward of the people." This sets the stage for drawing parallels with Trader Joe's, a company exemplifying a similar leadership philosophy. The author skillfully weaves in a quote from Roosevelt about the importance of labor, effort, energy, and courage in achieving progress. This quote serves as a foundation for the subsequent discussion on Trader Joe's core values.
Trader Joe's is portrayed as a company with core values centered around "producing customer wow experiences," embracing the Japanese concept of "kaizen" (continuous improvement), treating its store as a brand, maintaining integrity, and being product-driven. These values are identified as key contributors to the company's success and unique identity.
The article further elucidates how Trader Joe's prioritizes its customers by ensuring they are treated exceptionally well. The concept of "kaizen" is emphasized, signifying a commitment to constant improvement across all levels of the company. Teamwork and cooperation are highlighted as essential components, ensuring alignment with the store's branding expectations.
The narrative takes an interesting turn as it discusses Trader Joe's response to a recent controversy surrounding its product names, accused of being racist. The company's leaders decided not to remove the labels, asserting that the intentions behind them were not racist. This stance is commended as an act of good leadership, standing up for the company's values and its customers in the face of criticism.
The article concludes with external references providing additional information about Trader Joe's core values and its response to the controversy. User comments at the end of the article also provide a snapshot of public sentiment, with individuals expressing support for Trader Joe's and appreciating the company's stance against cancel culture.
In summary, this article masterfully intertwines historical leadership principles with contemporary business practices, showcasing how a company like Trader Joe's can embody timeless values and navigate challenges in the modern world. The seamless connection between Roosevelt's philosophy and Trader Joe's values serves as a compelling illustration of enduring leadership principles.
