Are you good at your job? How do you know if you are or not? People are darn vocal these days, so if you are not good at what you do, you are probably going to hear about it.
The hospitality industry used to have obvious tells if workers were great - tips. But with money tight this past couple of years, patrons may tip minimally even if the service is great. If someone loves their job, truly, then I think they will appear good at their job, and if someone is great at their job, they probably love what they do. There are talented people out there and some of them may have come by it naturally, but others have learned over a long period of time how to be great at something.
We all love getting a service from someone who is talented, who loves their job, seems happy, and has developed an exceptional skill. That may be a hard combination to find in workers, but it’s truly a wonderful experience when we do find it.
Some people work in the most chaotic of situations but are able to succeed in an organized chaos because they are so good at what they do. These people find solutions and come up with brilliant ideas because they are so good at their jobs and care so much about the work and who they are serving. Some people inject humour into their workplace, which makes it seem as though they really enjoy their work and have found purpose in bringing smiles to their coworkers and patrons faces.
Can we become great at our jobs? Sure, over time and with a passionate desire to become great. Too many people just want to be; to earn a paycheck and not strive for being great at what they do. But, for those who want to train, to grow, and to inspire, they will ultimately be happier people who will bring joy to those around them. It doesn't matter if the job is as a coffee bar host or CEO, the attitude, personality, and effort to be the best will shine through.
For those who are not great at their jobs, or worse, don't care enough to be great, they need to find something else to do. And for those trying to do a great job, congratulations, you make the world a better place for all of us.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Surround yourself with brilliant support!
I gave my first speech in 1998 to a group of business owners. When I was writing that speech, I was trying to figure out what I could possibly say that would be of interest to a few hundred successful people.
I remember one of my key points being about surrounding yourself with brilliant support, in all areas of your life. I had explained that brilliant support includes your doctor, your dentist, your lawyer, your accountant, your customers, your staff, your coaches, your friends, your family, and your spouse. Now, many years later, I am reflecting on that very point that I made so long ago.
Back in the early stages of my business, I thought I had a tough go of it. Start-up businesses are never easy, especially starting the way I did, with huge support of the people around me but absolutely nothing else. So, now my company has come through the toughest year we have ever had, which was last year, and we are once again on the road to success and growth.
As I evaluate the ups and downs, the lessons learned, the AHA moments, and the many crazy decisions that had to be made to survive, it comes right down to the relationships that have held up to the tests of time, patience, and understanding.
Now moving forward, the words brilliant support are constantly ringing in my head. I know I believed it then, when I first spoke those phrases and subconsciously operated with that philosophy over the years, but now it is time to re-establish how important brilliant support is in every aspect of our lives. Why is it okay to settle for average support in any area of our lives? When did it become the norm to accept mediocre?
When the economy was booming and jobs were plentiful, scouting great employees and lasting relationships in all forms was a difficult task. It may be easier to accept average, but why would we want to accept that for ourselves? I am not ok with average. I work with brilliant support, in all areas, or I won’t work with them! I am not okay with settling. Maybe this is a fixing year for many people, in all areas of their lives. Set the standards at brilliant instead of average. It may take more work to seek out and develop better relationships, but it is well worth the effort.
I hope some of the business owners who I spoke to 12 years ago still remember my speech and the points I made. And hopefully, they’ve continued to surround themselves with brilliant support!
I remember one of my key points being about surrounding yourself with brilliant support, in all areas of your life. I had explained that brilliant support includes your doctor, your dentist, your lawyer, your accountant, your customers, your staff, your coaches, your friends, your family, and your spouse. Now, many years later, I am reflecting on that very point that I made so long ago.
Back in the early stages of my business, I thought I had a tough go of it. Start-up businesses are never easy, especially starting the way I did, with huge support of the people around me but absolutely nothing else. So, now my company has come through the toughest year we have ever had, which was last year, and we are once again on the road to success and growth.
As I evaluate the ups and downs, the lessons learned, the AHA moments, and the many crazy decisions that had to be made to survive, it comes right down to the relationships that have held up to the tests of time, patience, and understanding.
Now moving forward, the words brilliant support are constantly ringing in my head. I know I believed it then, when I first spoke those phrases and subconsciously operated with that philosophy over the years, but now it is time to re-establish how important brilliant support is in every aspect of our lives. Why is it okay to settle for average support in any area of our lives? When did it become the norm to accept mediocre?
When the economy was booming and jobs were plentiful, scouting great employees and lasting relationships in all forms was a difficult task. It may be easier to accept average, but why would we want to accept that for ourselves? I am not ok with average. I work with brilliant support, in all areas, or I won’t work with them! I am not okay with settling. Maybe this is a fixing year for many people, in all areas of their lives. Set the standards at brilliant instead of average. It may take more work to seek out and develop better relationships, but it is well worth the effort.
I hope some of the business owners who I spoke to 12 years ago still remember my speech and the points I made. And hopefully, they’ve continued to surround themselves with brilliant support!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Remembering September 11 and how to rebuild
Last weekend we remembered the devastation that September 11, 2001 caused in the world. It took a couple of years before the rebuilding could begin. The holes that were created that day were far greater than anyone could have imagined.
The physical hole was grand. The subway that ran under the towers looked like a tiny toy train when standing on ground zero; I have seen it. That hole may take 10 to 20 years to repair. The other holes that devastating day created may take a lifetime to rebuild. The lives that were lost, the families that were torn apart, the companies that disappeared, the effects of stress on the human bodies and minds, only time will tell how long it will take to heal all of these wounds. And now, after two years of recession, we once again begin to rebuild lives, relationships, careers and companies.
At my staffing agency, About Staffing, we certainly have had to learn how to rebuild. We first had to rebuild after the terrorist attacks in 2001, and now, we’ve had to do it all over again after this recession. When companies fail in mass because of world events, hiring comes to a halt. Staffing agencies cannot help anyone or hire anyone in this situation. The light at the end of the tunnel is that people do tend to survive and find a way to manage through it, regardless of how hopeless the situation may seem at a particular moment.
For some people, September 2001 may seem like a lifetime ago, but for others, the effects are still a part of every waking moment. For some, this recent recession felt like a small blip, while others are still suffering from major financial, personal, relational, and physical issues.
We all try to find ways to fill the holes in our lives. Some find new jobs, some find new relationships, some start new hobbies or classes, some people move and some run far away. People deal with stress in many different ways. Some will choose to withdraw, some get sick, and some fill up with bad food, drugs or alcohol. But some people fill that space by helping others heal, which helps them in return.
Life is filled with cycles, surprises, and events, some within our control and some not. It is important to work on rebuilding as soon as possible and fill those holes with meaning and understanding. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, if we choose to keep moving forward to find it.
The physical hole was grand. The subway that ran under the towers looked like a tiny toy train when standing on ground zero; I have seen it. That hole may take 10 to 20 years to repair. The other holes that devastating day created may take a lifetime to rebuild. The lives that were lost, the families that were torn apart, the companies that disappeared, the effects of stress on the human bodies and minds, only time will tell how long it will take to heal all of these wounds. And now, after two years of recession, we once again begin to rebuild lives, relationships, careers and companies.
At my staffing agency, About Staffing, we certainly have had to learn how to rebuild. We first had to rebuild after the terrorist attacks in 2001, and now, we’ve had to do it all over again after this recession. When companies fail in mass because of world events, hiring comes to a halt. Staffing agencies cannot help anyone or hire anyone in this situation. The light at the end of the tunnel is that people do tend to survive and find a way to manage through it, regardless of how hopeless the situation may seem at a particular moment.
For some people, September 2001 may seem like a lifetime ago, but for others, the effects are still a part of every waking moment. For some, this recent recession felt like a small blip, while others are still suffering from major financial, personal, relational, and physical issues.
We all try to find ways to fill the holes in our lives. Some find new jobs, some find new relationships, some start new hobbies or classes, some people move and some run far away. People deal with stress in many different ways. Some will choose to withdraw, some get sick, and some fill up with bad food, drugs or alcohol. But some people fill that space by helping others heal, which helps them in return.
Life is filled with cycles, surprises, and events, some within our control and some not. It is important to work on rebuilding as soon as possible and fill those holes with meaning and understanding. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, if we choose to keep moving forward to find it.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Employers beware: Change is coming
There are definite stages of change before, during, and after an economic recession when it comes to the employment industry. In 2008, we had talked and read about the leading indicators that an economic collapse was on its way. There certainly were signs everywhere that a severe crash was going to take place, however, most people decided to ignore these signs. People continued to spend, demand the world, and planned for the money trees to keep producing never ending cash.
Everything we wanted, we got, which is what propelled us into the actual recession. We crashed, hard! Employees were laid off, companies went bankrupt, and regular people had to learn to scale back. No more raises, bonuses, or gym memberships for those employees lucky enough to have kept their jobs during the last year. It takes about a year for a recession to really impact the employment world. Laid off employees usually have about a year’s worth of employment insurance, and even though the benefits can be quite a bit less than a regular wage, it is generally enough to cover basic human needs.
Change is never easy, so it takes some time to settle into collecting employment insurance, not going to work every day, finding other things to do, and associating with new people. Eventually, people get used to this new way of life, but the benefits do run out! About a year later, uh oh, no more money coming in, benefits are getting cut off, and the panic sets in. The unemployed need to find jobs.
This all started a few months ago, as the beginning of the second stage that follows the recession kicked in. It’s a time of economic recovery, when companies are beginning to rehire, but at a lower wage, and job seekers are willing to accept anything, because they are desperate. But employers beware, because we’ll soon be into the third stage following the recession, where employees who settled for anything and the employers who paid too little will clash, and frustrations are going to mount!
Employees will start flipping jobs for as little as 25 cents more an hour! Yikes, here we go again. Employers are going to get very upset when their employees who committed when in need, will soon be in demand and will leave their jobs for the smallest pay increases.
Be prepared employers, this time is quickly approaching. Employees be ready, and give your employers reasonable notice. Does anyone remember the pickle we got into before, where there were too many jobs, not enough job seekers, and benefits and payroll got way out of control? Did we learn anything in the last couple of years? Let’s hope.
Everything we wanted, we got, which is what propelled us into the actual recession. We crashed, hard! Employees were laid off, companies went bankrupt, and regular people had to learn to scale back. No more raises, bonuses, or gym memberships for those employees lucky enough to have kept their jobs during the last year. It takes about a year for a recession to really impact the employment world. Laid off employees usually have about a year’s worth of employment insurance, and even though the benefits can be quite a bit less than a regular wage, it is generally enough to cover basic human needs.
Change is never easy, so it takes some time to settle into collecting employment insurance, not going to work every day, finding other things to do, and associating with new people. Eventually, people get used to this new way of life, but the benefits do run out! About a year later, uh oh, no more money coming in, benefits are getting cut off, and the panic sets in. The unemployed need to find jobs.
This all started a few months ago, as the beginning of the second stage that follows the recession kicked in. It’s a time of economic recovery, when companies are beginning to rehire, but at a lower wage, and job seekers are willing to accept anything, because they are desperate. But employers beware, because we’ll soon be into the third stage following the recession, where employees who settled for anything and the employers who paid too little will clash, and frustrations are going to mount!
Employees will start flipping jobs for as little as 25 cents more an hour! Yikes, here we go again. Employers are going to get very upset when their employees who committed when in need, will soon be in demand and will leave their jobs for the smallest pay increases.
Be prepared employers, this time is quickly approaching. Employees be ready, and give your employers reasonable notice. Does anyone remember the pickle we got into before, where there were too many jobs, not enough job seekers, and benefits and payroll got way out of control? Did we learn anything in the last couple of years? Let’s hope.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Overcoming your fears
There is something to be said for overcoming your fears. Some of the most common fears include speaking in public, failing, dying, germs, spiders and bugs, and heights. I am terrified of open heights. Being enclosed is fine, standing back from the edge is no problem, but open heights, with no walls or supports, shoots my stomach into my throat.
So, I decided to grasp this whole concept of pushing your boundaries and stepping outside your comfort zone, which I tout to job seekers all the time. I have had numerous conversations with employers about taking chances, hiring outside of their normal expectations, and giving people a shot who are trying to do something different. I have had hundreds of conversations with people who are afraid to quit their jobs that they hate, too scared to go for an interview, terrified to make a move. I always tell people to think outside the box, try something new, give it a try, and if it doesn’t work, at least you can go back to your comfort zone knowing you tried. What is the worst that can happen? I have even pushed people to start their own businesses, when I’ve believed that they can make it and that they are the right kind of risk taker to do it.
Well, I got pushed right into overcoming my fear of open heights! I was talked into doing six zip lines, hanging onto a small handle with a little strap around my thighs, flying high across canyons, super fast, super long, and super high! Did I love it? No! Did I find each one easier than the last? No! Each one got harder, I thought I was going to die. But, I never took my eyes off the wire; I paid attention to the rules, keeping my arms and legs positioned perfectly. My throat closed worse and worse each zip, my knees buckled, I shook, I held back the tears, I couldn’t breathe, and I needed some help unhooking my clasps to go on to the next line. But, I did it!
I took a chance and tried something new. I trusted the professionals to hook me up, stop me on time so I didn’t get hurt, and direct me on the proper form. Would I do it again? No. Am I glad I did it? Yes. I now have even more experience when trying to influence job seekers and employers on the right direction for them, taking chances, trying new things, and overcoming fears. I missed the amazing scenery below and around me while I did the zip lines, and the rest of the group did have to tell me what I missed. But I can say that I did it. I tried something I was deathly afraid of, and that was more important for me this time then staying behind in my comfort zone and missing the opportunity to try.
So, I decided to grasp this whole concept of pushing your boundaries and stepping outside your comfort zone, which I tout to job seekers all the time. I have had numerous conversations with employers about taking chances, hiring outside of their normal expectations, and giving people a shot who are trying to do something different. I have had hundreds of conversations with people who are afraid to quit their jobs that they hate, too scared to go for an interview, terrified to make a move. I always tell people to think outside the box, try something new, give it a try, and if it doesn’t work, at least you can go back to your comfort zone knowing you tried. What is the worst that can happen? I have even pushed people to start their own businesses, when I’ve believed that they can make it and that they are the right kind of risk taker to do it.
Well, I got pushed right into overcoming my fear of open heights! I was talked into doing six zip lines, hanging onto a small handle with a little strap around my thighs, flying high across canyons, super fast, super long, and super high! Did I love it? No! Did I find each one easier than the last? No! Each one got harder, I thought I was going to die. But, I never took my eyes off the wire; I paid attention to the rules, keeping my arms and legs positioned perfectly. My throat closed worse and worse each zip, my knees buckled, I shook, I held back the tears, I couldn’t breathe, and I needed some help unhooking my clasps to go on to the next line. But, I did it!
I took a chance and tried something new. I trusted the professionals to hook me up, stop me on time so I didn’t get hurt, and direct me on the proper form. Would I do it again? No. Am I glad I did it? Yes. I now have even more experience when trying to influence job seekers and employers on the right direction for them, taking chances, trying new things, and overcoming fears. I missed the amazing scenery below and around me while I did the zip lines, and the rest of the group did have to tell me what I missed. But I can say that I did it. I tried something I was deathly afraid of, and that was more important for me this time then staying behind in my comfort zone and missing the opportunity to try.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)