Undercover Boss on CBS

By Ally Matteodo

Undercover Boss continues to reveal itself as an inspiring and life-changing program, and a consistent choice for the Best TV Show of the Week.  On the episode of Sunday, October 3, (8:00 p.m. ET), Kim Schaefer, CEO of Great Wolf Lodge (the largest chain of indoor water park resorts in North America), poses as Chris Miller, a stay-at-home mom who is reentering the work force.  Schaefer comes from a working-class background herself, and describes how her mom gave birth to her at nineteen, and that both of her parents were always working.  Family vacations were rare, and Schaefer entered the work force as soon as she could, climbed the ladder at Great Wolf Lodge, and eventually worked her way up to the highest position at the company.  During her undercover activity, Kim works in four different positions at three different locations.  First, Schaefer works with Bree, helping children at the Cub Club at the Grapevine, Texas site.  Next, she undertakes a day of working the front desk of guest services with Jackie at the Grand Mound, Washington site.  Schaefer returns to Grapevine, Texas when she trains under aquatics supervisor Kelly.  Finally, she finishes up waitressing with Deanna at the Mason, Ohio resort.     

Several positive developments occurred after Schaefer ended her undercover operation.  First, she relayed her policy and procedures findings to her board of directors – findings that will help improve Great Wolf Lodge.  During her time at the front desk with Jackie she realized that the wait for guests to check in was much too long.  She also commented on the working conditions at the Grapevine, Texas location.  It’s 84 degrees at the water park, which is great for the guests, but the workers need more opportunities to rehydrate and rest so they can come back to their positions refreshed.  More importantly, Schaefer held in new regard the Great Wolf Lodge company ethos, “Make time for your family.”  Before her secret mission, this primarily applied to the guests of the recreational getaway, but now Schaefer implemented this directive toward her employees.  On the newly created Wolf-Pack family days, employees may bring their families to the resorts free of charge.  Furthermore, Schaefer made a positive difference in the lives of everyone she worked with; for Kelly, she offered to pay for flight school; for Jackie, she offered to pay for her knee surgery with paid time off, and a permanent shift-change to daytime work; for Bree, she offered to pay for her daughter’s college; and finally, for Deanna, she offered to pay for her to stay at home for six months with her newborn son.  When Schaefer bestowed these precious gifts upon her hard-working employees, the relief and joy on their faces was evident.  This series promotes compassionate, involved CEOs who take action for their workers.  It also proves you never should judge anyone until you have walked a day in their shoes; their job could be far more taxing then you realize.

Best TV Show of the Week

The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org