FASTSIGNS' Monson Goes Incognito on TV Show
Monson’s decision to participate in “Undercover Boss” fits well with her hands-on leadership style. When she became CEO of the 25-year-old company in 2009, one of the biggest issues the company was facing was a lack of communication between the corporate office and its franchise partners, as well as sales declines due to the “great recession.”
Monson immediately embarked on a tour around the country to visit franchise partners and put a plan in place to turn the company around, including creating a sales incentive program. She initiated monthly conference calls with the franchise system to provide updates and answer questions and concerns.
Through her “Undercover Boss” experience, Monson gained valuable insight into key areas of the business that she will continue to fine-tune and improve in the coming months. “This was an eye opening experience that not only impacted my professional life, but my personal life as well,” said Monson. “I have realized that I need to take more time for myself and get back to the things that I really love in order to become a better leader and CEO.”
Each week, “Undercover Boss” follows a different executive as they leave the comfort of their corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their companies. While working alongside their employees, they see the effects their decisions have on others, where the problems lie within their organizations and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering and rewarding the unsung heroes who make their companies run.
