Taking the Lead in your work group !

Have you ever thought how much the "culture" of your work group influences your work? The day to day interactions of the members of the work group do have an influence.

In academic circles we learn that the "top" students" are often categorized as nerds. Of course when they do well in their careers they are admired and lose the nerd tag.

Most work groups do a good job of "leveling", that is making every member of the group toe the line and imitate the "common value" of the group. This has a positive or negative affect, depending on the "outcomes".

You will not have a "Culture of Service" if it is not seen as a value. If other values take front seat, then the value of service will not shine.

Think about taking a lead position in your group. If, it helps, remember the story of "Rudolph" who was called names and laughed at; an example of leveling. As the story goes things are transformed when Rudolph uses his talent.

If you have knowledge, skills, and abilities be sure to optimize them ! Your concern for service will shine thru!

HOW CAN WORK PROVIDE SATISFACTION?

Believe it or not I had a free latte at Bloomingdale's this week, but it was the experience that I remember. As Christmas approached I was out shopping when the lady behind the coffee machine asked "Would I like a latte?"

I answered, that if she might be so kind, that I would be delighted. Her response: "Of course, that is my job."

What struck me about her response was her direct connection to her job. She understood that she had a purpose to fulfill and was happy to do it.

Today's worker can choose to identify with the purpose of their work and contribute to success or can choose to go through the motions and return home, after work, uninspired.

What I refer to here is the direct connection between working with a purpose and satisfaction.

When a worker identifies with the goal of the company there is synergy. You feel that you are part of something. You contribute to achieving the goal and lo and behold you have a better outlook on life.

Customer Service Hits the Skids

Have you noticed? Is there meaning within the world of work? Despite all the efforts to keep the customer as the center focus of employees; and the loss of jobs in a difficult economy, customer service is losing ground. Price is now king. Show me the discounts says the consumer. Mail me the coupons and perhaps I will shop at your establishment says the shopper. These are the concerns of today's consumer.

Customer service has been relegated to being a frill. It has been trivialized.

The experience of the customer is second to the vested self interest of the shop keeper. The vested self interest is to stay in business. Focus on moving the product. Keep up the cash flow. Offer the discounts.

If you are lucky to be a member of the work force, you are looking around and assessing if you are to be the next layoff victim. Times are tough.

When work force morale is low it effects the business. This tough scenario leads me to ask if there is not something more than the simple transaction, of the exchange of a product for a few dollars? Perhaps it is best to contemplate that when you are stripped of all the fluff, it does come down to who you are as a person. Is there satisfaction in service? Do you find meaning in giving of yourself?

Now is when you ask yourself if you are a professional. Now is when you ask yourself if the business transaction is really a human event and the money is secondary. Can life within the economic relationships have meaning? Can you enjoy going to work?

Providing service has its own rewards. A friendly disposition gives you a positive aura. The sun will come up tomorrow. Remember in the beginning and the end it is about who you are. Choose to relate and relate well. Being human is not a matter of economic well being.