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Do we value our job enough?

Publicado el 4/02/12

During my travels over the past months I have watched how people provide their services compared to two or three years ago: at hotel receptions, in aeroplanes and restaurants, etc. I have clearly seen a difference in attitude. So the question I ask myself is : why, today, do people do provide a better service?

Could it be linked to the increase in unemployement in major European countries? Are people who have a job more aware they are among the lucky ones and, therefore, do they value their job more? An example of the better quality of service I have noticed is how people have been more obliging and have helped me solve my travel problems - in chaotic situations! If this awareness is the reason, do these individuals try more than ever to deliver a higher quality service than they achieved in the past?

This thinking process brings more and more questions to mind: how aware are we of the value of our employment in today's circumstances? Do leaders raise enough awareness about the meaning and the value of work amongest team members? Do they help teams think how they could do a better job? How can they motivate employees to exceed expectations? And how does this perspective relate to individual team members and their position in team/organisational effort?

I started the New Year with this blog, because it clearly represents the challenges and uncertainty of the year. As leaders, how do we face it? What are your opinions on this topic? Thank you for your comments on last month's blog, it was good to see your thoughts on this delicate subject.

This blog is written in collaboration with Abigail Shone.

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5 comentarios

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Olaya
Enviado por Olaya el 15/02/12
Desgraciadamente hemos tenido que verle las orejas al lobo, lo que antes se "vendía solo" ahora, debido a la fuerte crisis económica en la que estamos inmersos, necesita un envoltorio azucarado en forma de sonrisa o palabras amables. Esto, lo han sabido ver los empresarios y se lo han sabido transmitir a sus empleados. Ya no es suficiente con ofrecer un producto, un servicio, en estos tiempos inciertos en los que resulta tan dificil gastar, el buen trato que se nos dispense desde el otro lado del mostrador resulta clave para consumir a gusto y, lo mas importante, para repetir.
Sally
Enviado por Sally el 7/02/12
Sometimes, when I hear people complaining about their job, their manager, their colleagues, etc…I am sad for them.
How can they have this type of attitude when we know that so many people don’t have our chance and are struggling day after day to survive, because they don’t have a job at all?
I thing that every job can be interesting, it is what we want it to be. It is a question of self-motivation and a way of considering our life either in an optimistic or a pessimist point of view.
Of course managers have to encourage their employees, let them understand the value of their work and provide recognition.
But employees also have to find in themselves the taste for effort and for a job well done!
Silvia
Enviado por Silvia el 7/02/12
Your blog reminds me the reality of the world that we live. It also helps me to remember that I’m among the lucky ones. For me, it doesn’t help to be afraid about the bad situation and think negatively. I think keeping positive attitude is important and delivering more quality work is crucial in today’s circumstance. It’s not only the best way to keep my job, more importantly it shows example and optimism around me.
david
Enviado por david el 6/02/12
I understand your view and I have seen some similar cases but I also see many people without this awake! thanks,
David
Germán Delgado
Enviado por Germán Delgado el 6/02/12
we must use their shoes once, at least!
In my opinion, all of us enjoy our job when our boss knows properly how it is; the leader should have experience doing the same of every member of the team; just in that case he will understand the gaps and help everyone to improve their performances.
Once our colleague develops really well his job, the leader will show the future to him, building the way together: things to do, things to learn, steps to be done. Together!

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