Wynn pays tribute to employees

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

"Being successful in business has little to do with being technically right or technically wrong," said Wynn, who attributed his own success to his work force.

"I'm just a hood ornament."

Wynn was the keynote speaker Tuesday at the governor's annual industry appreciation luncheon recognizing non-gaming and non-tourism businesses that have contributed to Nevada's economic diversification.

Achieving employee contentment is more complex than the size of paychecks, Wynn said.

'You can't script people to be friendly and warm to other folks. It has to come from within."

Above all, he said, workers have to feel safe and without fear of reprisal for taking risks -- even if they fail.

Mirage Resorts' personnel philosophies evolved over time and created a work environment that is the backbone of the company's success, Wynn said.

"We realized ... if we could be perceived to be the folks who helped the people in the job achieve their own self esteem, then we would be their best friends, that they would accept any change," he said.

To do that, Mirage Resorts, with three hotel-casinos in Las Vegas and the $1.3 billion Bellagio resort under construction, allows employees to change jobs and offers training classes in three different languages.

Additionally, existing workers are given priority for positions at new properties when they open.

"We tell our people that as a matter of right they are entitled to be happy, not just get paid," Wynn said.

Workers also are encouraged to volunteer in their communities and are urged to vote and understand issues that affect them.

To reward community service, Mirage Resorts has an annual banquet to honor employees who have volunteered to help a worthy cause or program.

Recognition by employers instills pride and loyalty among workers. And it is that king of loyalty, Wynn said, that gave Mirage Resorts the confidence to risk more than a billion dollars on the Bellagio.

"Whatever success we've had has been directly, totally related to this achievement and this phenomenon," he said. "Not volcanos, or even white tigers, or sharks, or pirate ships that sink, or anything else."