What have you done for me lately?

What have you done for me lately?

Originally posted elsewhere by "A Quick Note" on June 2, 2007  

     In my former life, I managed fast-food restaurants. The kids who worked for me would ask for raises having done nothing (other than being on the payroll) to earn more compensation. I was often required to give them, what I have since come to describe as "the gum-ball speech". The gum-ball speech, started by reminding them of the commitment they made to show up on time, provide fast friendly service and continue the learning required to become cross-trained and able to work in all the crew positions (thus making them more valuable). I would then proceed to explain this concept in terms that they would understand... "Remember when you were little and you'd see a gum-ball machine? You knew you wanted that gumball, but you had to do certain things to get it. You had to ask mom or dad for a penny (am I dating myself here? OK a quarter....). But, the one, most important thing you had to do was put the coin in BEFORE you got the gumball out". Reading this you may think I'm harsh. Especially when you consider that then, these kids made $4.00/hr. But, what I haven't told you is that I believed then as I do now that this is a metaphor for life and that I really wanted nothing but the best for them. I also always worked to develop my people to strive to be the best, know the most, and hopefully create the drive and desire that would lead them to the success that they desired. Southern California is now populated with restaurant managers that I trained. Many of them started as my hourly employees.

I am constantly flabbergasted by those who want to take what someone else provides yet never give of themselves or even of their own effort to assist in a joint endeavor for the group.

I describe this phenomenon as being disloyal. Loyalty goes a long, long way with me. When participating in a networking effort, one needs to remember the cooperative nature of such a venture. Give what you can and others will recognize your input. But that is a double-edged sword. So.................
Don't expect to get that gum-ball out.... until you put  your quarter in!!!

"A Quick Note"
http://www.aquicknote.net/