Motivating People: Praise Your Unsung Heroes

03/06/07

I’ve always been intrigued by what motivated some of my coworkers in the menial (and sometimes miserable) dead-end jobs I had as a college student. Most of my colleagues were high-school dropouts; virtually all lived from paycheck to paycheck. The most memorable ones, however, did their level best every day, whether we were unloading tractor-trailers, scrubbing toilets, or manicuring the lawn of a Tampa Bay millionaire whom later ran for governor.

I was humbled and impressed by them. Humbled because I could look forward to a future far different from theirs; impressed because of their extraordinary work ethic. Like the whistling street sweeper in Jimmy Buffett’s song “It’s My Job,” they weren’t concerned that their work was taken for granted. They did it well and with a dignity that left its mark on me.

In retrospect, I think they defined themselves not by fancy titles (they had none) or the size of their paychecks (meager at best) but by something more enduring: pride in doing an honest day’s work. Status be damned. They knew their work spoke for them, no matter how inconsequential it was to others, and they made sure it spoke well.

I don’t meet too many folks like that today. It’s not because of the circles I travel in, either. In fact, I go out of my way to watch, listen, and talk with people unlike myself. That’s one of the most enjoyable things about being a writer. So I’m thankful that I worked alongside those hardscrabble colleagues of yesteryear, since their numbers appear to be dwindling for reasons I’d rather not think about.

Thank goodness there are still some of ‘em around. And if you’re lucky enough to have any on your payroll, please don’t take them for granted. Sing the praises of these unsung heroes; let them know that you appreciate their work and value their presence in your workplace. They need to hear that message loud, clear, and often.

What’s more, it won’t cost you a cent.