Success Quote by Lee Scott

“Bounce in their step” is corporate language trying to borrow the body’s honesty. Lee Scott isn’t describing a policy; he’s describing a vibe he wants to manufacture. The line aims for a simple psychological exchange: if workers feel seen, they’ll act differently. Not necessarily louder, not necessarily prouder - just a little lighter, a little more compliant, a little more productive. The genius of the phrase is that it makes morale sound measurable, like a KPI you can spot in the hallway.

Calling employees “associates” does its usual double duty: it flatters (you’re not labor, you’re a partner) while sidestepping the asymmetry that defines low-wage retail. “This company is behind them” is even more telling. It suggests support without specifying what support looks like when rent is due, schedules fluctuate, or healthcare costs bite. Respect, here, is framed as an atmosphere the company can provide, not a material condition workers can verify.

The likely context is a moment when Walmart, under Scott’s leadership, was absorbing criticism about wages, benefits, and treatment of frontline staff. When the public conversation centers on concrete deficits, the rhetorical move is to pivot to dignity: a softer currency that’s harder to audit. The subtext reads like a preemptive rebuttal to organizing energy: you don’t need leverage, you need reassurance. It’s a line designed to travel well in press coverage and internal memos, where “bounce” can stand in for justice without ever quite promising it.