CBS's Undercover Boss takes an executive from a big-name brand and has them work incognito within the company. Not a bad idea for a premise of a show. I'd think the main goal is to have these CEO's experience the day of an average worker to help them make substantial decisions in order to improve their company.

 

I watched an episode and yeah, I was sucked in. The CEO of 7-Eleven, Joe DePinto, works undercover at several locations. He gets to know five different employees, as well as their inspirational, yet troubled, stories. In the end, Mr. DePinto gives each of these five employees a gift, such as a romantic vacation for Igor, who works long hours, leaving no time to spend with his wife. Of course it was moving and I am absolutely happy for them, but is this really the solution to make 7-Eleven a better place for it's employees? You can't give gifts to them all. I think the purpose of the show was lost.

 

7-Eleven executives need to brainstorm and create solutions to make their brand better for both customers and employees. Isn't this why they agreed to do the show in the first place? To find out where problems lie within their organizations and fix them? It's fine to focus a little bit on these personal stories. It's great for them and let's face it, it makes good TV. But let's also focus more on the reforms they'll be making for the company as a whole; to make lives better for all 7-Eleven workers.