There are “No Small Jobs, only small people”, don’t get too self important that you forget all the people that contribute in our ecosystem, always good practice to give thanks.

               I write this with an intention that I hope does not raise the porcupine defenses in anyone, while realizing I might do so. On my travels, I have learned there are “No Small jobs, just small people”. I will admit in my arrogant younger days I might have been guilty of this mindset. But it was more the result of a fear-based mindset with no real knowledge behind it. As mentioned, I have worn a blue and white collar, and sometimes worn both at the same time.  I have observed that sometimes people tend to develop a “self-important” mindset where we elevate the roles we play while minimizing the contributions of those within our own ecosystem. This creates a perception that certain work is either not important, not valued, or not a priority. When this mindset enters an ecosystem it causes some to begin to practice the subtle art of not giving a fudge. This mindset is amplified when communication across the ecosystem is not clear, concise, collaborative, and considerate; so that each person playing a part in the operations feels as though they have been seen and heard. It is important to remember that poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on the part of another. This can be attributed to the culture and poor communication across the organization, the top down hierarchical nature, an inability to trust in delegating responsibilities, entrenched personality driven systems dominating over a system-oriented approach; all which can create the conditions that hold an organization back. On the military battlefield they send scouts out to report on the conditions of the area then absorb, hear, and act on the scouts’ feedback to develop the best possible strategy. An effective organization does the same. There can be no visibility into an area if you fail to talk to the person doing the day to day in the trenches.

Along my journey I gained experience working in a start up culture. When you work in a start-up culture there are no “silos” or “pre-determined” roles. You have an area of focus, but if you have the talent, have the aptitude to solve a problem, then you consistently work cross-functionally across the organization. Point being, you perform all functions required; from taking out the trash, shoveling the snow; to populating a sales database, to creating marketing material, to putting on a show for the CEO or prospective board. The mindset is there is a “job to do” so “do your job” with the awareness there are no small jobs. It also means that teamwork across the organization is vital, so if that means lending a hand you don’t hesitate to do so. It also means recognizing those situations where there might not be enough hands.

It is in those areas that are deemed not important, not a focus, not a prudent use of fiscal resources, where the push to increase efficiencies leads organizations to try to do more with less, increasing the workload shouldered by less bodies, sometimes crossing the line of efficiency into that of abuse; whittling away at a workers morale, dedication, commitment, and desire to go above and beyond what is minimally required. While recognizing most people do the “excellent” work they do because they take pride in what they do, how it reflects on them, and that their act of caring is more than transactional. Sometimes organizations need to admit that it is hard to squeeze water out of a rock, so maybe new strategies are required?  “Speech is a joint game between the talker and listener against the forces of confusion”, an organizations goal should be to make sure they are winning this game.

So, for those of us who can unplug from the work world this Holiday season and get to spend it with family or friends, take a moment to look around. Observe all the people that perform the seen and overlooked roles across our ecosystem; shake the hand of the woman you see cleaning windows, give a fist pump to the janitor sweeping the floor, and treat the waitstaff serving you a meal on your leisure time with the empathy that sends the signal that you appreciate their contribution and the sacrifice they have to make in being away from their family and loved ones. Remembering that not all have the luxury to unplug from the daily grind. Dignity is not defined by a dollar sign, but the time is long past due where we stop nickel and diming these essential parts of our ecosystem, and pay people a living wage while providing them with the tools and training they need to excel?

In my ecosystem, I was part of a simple unspoken act, that reinforced my belief in our potential. On my daily rounds delivering packages to a campus community, the golf cart I used died. It was 20 minutes from where it needed to go across campus, so I placed the cart in neutral and began pushing with one arm while steering with the other. As I made my way, one student, then another, then yet another, added their weight and muscle to the effort. Allowing all four of us to get it to where it needed to be. This example of teamwork, empathy, and willingness to lend a hand is what makes me hopeful that we have it within us to nurture an attitude of gratitude not just during the Holiday Season, but throughout the year.

Have a Happy Holiday