WORK ETHIC

WORK ETHIC
Alright, let me know if it’s just me, or have we seen an erosion of the overall level of work ethic in this country. Let me preface this by saying that this comment certainly doesn’t apply to everyone, but I feel it is apropos to a growing segment of the work force.
There seems to be an apathy, or sense of entitlement that has become increasingly more apparent in our workforce. The by-product of this trend can be seen in the quality of workmanship in our homes and cars, the lack of urgency exhibited by many customer service reps, and the decreasing productivity of many of our factories.
To be honest, many employers foster, if not condone, this sub-par level of work and performance. This creates a vicious cycle of decreased expectation and the ensuing drop in performance. I’ve found that most people in the workplace will live up to, or down to, the expectations you have for them. So employers must decide if they want to lower the bar, so that everyone can step over it, or raise the bar and only hire the climbers.
America was not made great by clock watchers, paper pushers, short timers, or temp help, but by individuals who worked hard, created value, and took risks. Don’t you hate it when you walk into a business and they can’t serve you because they close in an hour and the staff is already in the shut down mode. Don’t you feel uncomfortable when you are dealing with someone that clearly doesn’t want to be at work, and you, the customer are an obvious interruption to whatever else they were previously doing. Do you love it, when you get caught in the phone zone of pre-recorded and never ending options..Press one if you want sales….. I find myself screaming..I just want to talk to a real person… How do you feel as an employer, when your staff can’t seem to show up on time every day for work. Do you allow it ?
When my grandfather came to this country, like some many other immigrants, he came here for the opportunity to work and learn. He was willing to take any job and prove his worth, with the hope of improving his family’s lot in life. He didn’t speak the language, he didn’t have a support system, and he didn’t feel that this country owed him a living. Like so many before and after him, he only wanted a chance, an opportunity, a foothold. From there he was willing to toil and chisel out a piece of the American dream for himself, his family, and his descendents.
When I hire a new employees today , I still look for those individuals that want to work, want to excel, and bring a level of excitement into our workforce. They must exhibit that hunger, that eye of the tiger, and a willingness to get the job done.
If you think I sound old fashioned, and not in tune with the times..well maybe….but then again this column is about my feelings and values, so tough luck.
Until Latter
PIB