It seems in our culture today we are continually looking to celebrate something. Not that that is all bad but with fewer and fewer things to celebrate do we seem to be sliding backwards, placating our senses just to celebrate something, anything? Movie stars and celebrities personal lives aside, OK, I just must point out a Judges jubilation that Lindsay Lohan complied with her probation…(AM-New York Wed, Jan 18th2012 pg3 – Right next to the article about how the NYPD is going to start using devices that can search you from 15 feet away) but in the world of work I see degradation in the celebrations that are being made, not the number but the quality, more so the reason for the celebration. In my opinion this lowers the bar on the potential for truly breakthrough, exceptional customer service, product ideas, innovation, employee utilization, placement and advancement.
Many of the celebrations that I am talking about can fall under the very reason a person was hired or assigned a task, to do a job that needed to be completed! We are continually hearing of accolades bestowed, value stories, case studies and the moronic droll of individuals proclaiming how wonderful they are…for doing their job. Is this like the youth sports teams where all get awards for simply showing up? We have indeed lowered the bar on performance. It used to be significant when someone received an award, now it appears as though it is related to a need to provide affirmation that your employees are doing the task that you hired and pay them to do.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Friday, March 09, 2012
I Chose to Look the Other Way
I could have saved a life that day,
but I chose to look the other way.
It wasn't that I didn't care, I had the time, and I was there.
But I didn't want to seem a fool, or argue over a safety rule
I knew he'd done the job before, if I called it wrong, he might get sore.
The chances didn't seem that bad,
I've done the same, he knew I had.
So I shook my head and walked on by,
he knew the risks as well as I.
He took the chance, I closed an eye, and with the act,
I let him die.
I could have saved a life that day, but I chose to look the other way.
Now every time I see his wife, I'll know I should have saved his life.
That guilt is something I must bear, but it isn't something you need to share.
If you see a risk that others take, that puts their health or life at stake.
The question asked, or thing you say,
could help them live another day.
If you see a risk and walk away,
then hope you never have to say,
I could have saved a life that day, but I chose to look the other way.
By Don Merrell
but I chose to look the other way.
It wasn't that I didn't care, I had the time, and I was there.
But I didn't want to seem a fool, or argue over a safety rule
I knew he'd done the job before, if I called it wrong, he might get sore.
The chances didn't seem that bad,
I've done the same, he knew I had.
So I shook my head and walked on by,
he knew the risks as well as I.
He took the chance, I closed an eye, and with the act,
I let him die.
I could have saved a life that day, but I chose to look the other way.
Now every time I see his wife, I'll know I should have saved his life.
That guilt is something I must bear, but it isn't something you need to share.
If you see a risk that others take, that puts their health or life at stake.
The question asked, or thing you say,
could help them live another day.
If you see a risk and walk away,
then hope you never have to say,
I could have saved a life that day, but I chose to look the other way.
By Don Merrell
Friday, January 20, 2012
Is It Friday Yet?
How often have you heard someone say this at work? Chances are, very often.
Within this statement, and many others like it, lie hints of a much deeper issues impacting the working world of many. Some may say it is a simple conversation starter or a longing desire to sleep in, with which I do not disagree. But a deeper underlying energy in these statements may provide a telling symptom of organizational dysfunction and personal despair.
If we are waiting for Friday are we truly engaged in our working life pursuits, the all-powerful “what we were meant to do”? Members of highly effective, innovative and progressive organizations are less likely to engage in these conversations and more likely to enjoy a balanced and fulfilling life.
So how do we get there from here you ask? This will be the subject of a new series of posts that will examine what’s at the root of dysfunctional and toxic workplaces and how we can begin to improve things for ourselves, our Co-Workers and more importantly the organizations of which we are a part of. Feel free to chime in as these roll out.
Within this statement, and many others like it, lie hints of a much deeper issues impacting the working world of many. Some may say it is a simple conversation starter or a longing desire to sleep in, with which I do not disagree. But a deeper underlying energy in these statements may provide a telling symptom of organizational dysfunction and personal despair.
If we are waiting for Friday are we truly engaged in our working life pursuits, the all-powerful “what we were meant to do”? Members of highly effective, innovative and progressive organizations are less likely to engage in these conversations and more likely to enjoy a balanced and fulfilling life.
So how do we get there from here you ask? This will be the subject of a new series of posts that will examine what’s at the root of dysfunctional and toxic workplaces and how we can begin to improve things for ourselves, our Co-Workers and more importantly the organizations of which we are a part of. Feel free to chime in as these roll out.
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