What do you know about your employees?

Charley

Charley, a new retiree-greeter at Wal-Mart, just couldn’t seem to get to work on time.   

Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean-shaven, sharp minded and a real credit to the company; obviously demonstrating their “Older Person Friendly” policies. 

One day the boss called him into the office for a talk.

“Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang up job. But, being late so often is quite bothersome.”

“I know boss, and I am working on it.”

”Well good, you are a team player. That’s what I like to hear. It’s odd though your coming in late.

I know you’re retired from the Armed Forces. So, what did they say if you came in late back then?” 

‘‘They said, ‘Good morning, Admiral, can I get you coffee, sir?”’

What do you know about your employees?  Some of them have skills and talents that are far beyond what you see of them day in and day out.

The Problem

Several years ago, I had an opening for a computer programmer.  One of the computer operators approached me with an interest in applying for the position. I interviewed him and found he had been attending college at night studying to be a computer programmer.  He was a few credits short, but I thought, here is a loyal employee who knows a lot about our company, our computer systems, and is trying to quietly better himself.  I decided to promote him.

The Forklift Operator

I decided to tell my boss that I wanted to hire Bob as an entry level computer programmer.  I was very comfortable with my decision and expected my boss to celebrate my brilliance along with me.  I could not have been more wrong.

“Bob?  The forklift operator?” he scowled.

“No.  Bob the computer operator.”  I answered.

“Yeah, the forklift operator.  We hired him from the warehouse five years ago.  He started as a night operator and we promoted him to day shift.”

I began extolling Bob’s virtues.  I explained that he was in college, had more than five years with the company, that he was smart, and a known entity.  He was a reliable, loyal employee.

I could tell the boss was starting realize that he no idea that Bob had done all of this.  He simply couldn’t get shake the mental image he had of the sweaty forklift operator.  He relented, and let me hire him.

What do you know?

I am sure that your co-workers have done or are doing things that would surprise you.  Are they deacons in their church?  Are the politically active?  Do they lead a junior cheerleading squad?  Do they volunteer to help less advantaged kids?  Do they work in a soup kitchen?

You most likely know very little about your employees and co-workers, especially the humble ones.  I suggest you find out more about them by simply asking them.  You will very surprised waht you learn.

Hope this helps!

Would love to hear your thoughts in a comment or email me here.

Mike