Since
I am happily applying for jobs, the interview questions come at me in
batches, and really don't give me the opportunity to think, at that
time, about the origins of my outlook. And conversations recently
have led me to look at "What is quality, and acceptability, to
me? And who did I first learn these ideas from?"
I
think the first one to give me the attitude of quality was a server
at one of the restaurants that my father frequented for work
purposes, and I occasionally was invited to join them. As a young
person, the atmosphere of a slightly upscale eating area, with my
father's coworkers around, was a treat – even if I was the youngest
person in the room by a good 15 years.
Toni
was the server that we most-often were seated with, when I was in
attendance. She, to my young eyes, was a magical person: she
remembered orders, favorite people, and pets names – plus was able
to make everyone feel comfortable, important, and welcome. I never
remember a glass being empty, nor a less-than-delightful experience –
but that may be looking back many years.
In
admiring her, and her work ethic, I added in getting what was asked
for to the person that requested it, making sure that it was
accurate, and as prompt as possible. Being able to sort multiple
workflows, and engage with those that are around in a professional
manner – these are things I learned from her.
A
lesson was added, many years later, to what I learned from her. I was
applying for jobs, and stopped in to ask if they were hiring. A very
familiar voice was in that room – I still remembered Toni's voice.
And she recognized me – by name. This made a major impression on
me, again. It had been more than a dozen years, but she was able to
recall many details about me. I have worked on that talent – and
it's still a work in progress.
Well,
I didn't get that job – mostly because I didn't turn in the
application. My first case of Impostor Syndrome.
I
did, however, find a waitress job a year or so later. I was new, and
severely intimidated. The place was small – and there were two of
us: I'd get some training and/or help the first few days, correct?
That assumption was proven false rather quickly. After a month, I
figured out being a server wasn't a good option for me – I was fine
with dealing with the people, I simply wasn't good with some of the
other aspects.
Thankfully,
there was Jeanie on shift with me. She was in her late 60's, and had
been a server for many places because she loved it. She had a slow
gait, but had the experience to do many of the tasks that needed done
as she went by. She wasn't the best teacher – to her, you either
knew it or you didn't. But an after-shift cup of coffee, watching her
and noting what she did taught me that rushing and getting things
done without a plan was not efficient. And that knowing what you are
doing, and what you are good at, are two of the things that make a
job 'work'.
I
have had many other inspirations, and may add them into future posts.
Take time to look at how you formed your work ethic, and your
foundation of the ideas you bring to work with you may prove
instructive, and hopefully allow for some memories of those who gave
you those ideas, or their antithesis, a bit of room to influence your
growth.