Awhile back Head Custodian Tim Miles shared “Ten Questions You Must Ask Your Employees.” But there’s a good one he left out: “Are you proud of where you work?”
I’ve been thinking about the proud question since reading about a grade school teacher who uses it as his number one measure of success. Edward Lowe says if a student works hard for a C and is proud of that effort, then the lesson was a success.
Are your employees proud of what they do? If Scotty is asked about his job, does he say “I just work down at the hardware store.”? Or does he say “I’m the plumbing supply specialist at Welker’s Hardware and Home Center?”
If Scotty is proud of his job then he is much more likely to give your customers shareworthy service.
But that kind of pride has to start at the top. Are you proud of your business? Are you proud of the merchandise or services you offer?
Are you goods displayed attractively…or just piled up somewhere? Is your building neat, clean, and well lit?
Or, are there bulbs burned out on the sign out front? Is there paint peeling here and there? How do your delivery and service trucks look? Time for new decals?
It’s easy for things to deteriorate over time. But your employees notice…and your customers surely do.
A little clean up, paint up, fix up can help put some pride back in your business….and then those other ten questions will work even better.
p.s. Ramshackle is only acceptable for BBQ joints. Then, it’s usually a plus.
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