- Posted on September 29, 2011
"I'll Take Care of It"
To succeed in today's workplace, your people need to demonstrate their value and minimize any hint of dispensability. At a minimum, they need to at least act the part.
Recently, I bought a new couch, and needed help removing my old sofa bed before delivery. I asked "Joe", who works in my building, if he'd like to make a little extra money by assisting me.
Sighing, Joe went into this long dreary story about how much effort this would take. After all, didn't I know about the rules of how to dismantle the sofa for recycling, the rules about when large items went curbside for pick up, and the rules about how to store furniture in the basement without creating a fire hazard?
Not only was Joe cranky (and unappreciative), but he turned everything into my problem. Needless to say, I was relieved that he turned down my request, because who wants to work with someone who has that kind of attitude.
Fortunately, I reached my super, who recommended Gabriel. When he arrived at my apartment the next morning, Gabriel quickly assessed the logistics and agreed to do the job. I began to ask questions about all of the rules that Joe had mentioned, and he politely cut me off and said, "Lisa, I'll take care of it".
He took total charge of the situation, and we had great interaction during the time he was there. He was careful, cheerful, and considerate, and did the job without turning even the smallest detail into my problem.
Why does Gabriel's behavior seem so unusual? It's because we're more accustomed to people with attitudes of entitlement and the "it's not my job" syndrome.
If your people do good work and have reasonably good attitudes, they'll get by. But when they make themselves valuable and have great attitudes, there's no stopping them.
Are your people more like Joe or Gabriel?
I have no question that Gabriel will be successful in whatever he does with his career. He takes pride in his work, has the mindset for success, and is a role model for others.
When you build your team with people like this, you might not even remember that we're in challenging economic times.
Have a great week, and for those who celebrate, L'Shanah Tovah!
Copyright 2011 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
- Albert Camus
September 29th Trivia
Today is National Coffee Day. Look for coupons or deals on discounted or free coffee to join in today's celebration.
On this Day in History
In 1950, Bell Laboratories introduced the first telephone answering machine.