Preview of CBS'S "Undercover Boss"

Have you ever said these words? "If the big wigs ever knew how things were really run, then I'm sure things would change in a hurry." Well, let's find out America. After the Superbowl, on Feb. 7th, CBS will roll out a new show, called "Undercover Boss." I just finished watching an extended preview on TV.com, and I have to tell you, I'm very excited about this show.

The premise of the show is simple. A company CEO, in this case, Larry O'Donnell, of Waste Management Corporation, goes undercover as a construction worker being followed with a hidden camera. He obviously changes his name, and jumps right into the every day workings of the company. He goes on to clean out some portable potties, picks up some trash in a field, does some rubbish collection, and meets an office worker, who holds down three separate jobs with one title.

The results of the experience is exactly what we all thought it would be. He is exhausted after day one. He listens to employees recite his own policies, which were way out of whack with what he originally said, and is totally overwhelmed with the dedication of his employees. Big surprise, right? Didn't we already know that was going to happen? Wouldn't that happen if every company sent their CEO to do the "little" jobs? I think we all know the answer to that one. But here is the really cool twist in the story.

Mr. O'Donnell goes on to reveal himself as the CEO of the company to all of the employees he meets with. He invites one of them to speak to his management team, fixes all of the problems he encountered, including giving the lady with three jobs a promotion, and a raise, and goes back to his job with a new perspective.

So this show could be just a one shot special, and we could all walk away saying "No kidding!" But here is what gets me excited. There will be more episodes, and more CEO'S doing the same kind of thing. I can't imagine a lot of CEO'S getting in line to sign up for this duty, frankly because many of them have not ever done the grunt work, but who knows? I'm sure along the way, some people could get fired, for not doing what they are supposed to do, and I'm all for that. Time will tell us that answer.

What I do think is this. The next time a new employee shows up at your work, be careful, be very careful. If this show becomes popular, which I truly suspect it will, then it could actually do some good, and change the way we all think about our jobs. This show has been a long time coming, and I hope it sticks around long enough to make a difference. Aside from a few reality show winners, how much has TV really changed anyone's lives? I know 4 or 5 people in one episode that had their lives changed for the better, and heck, who knows if one of us is next? Stay tuned.