It’s Not My Job or Is It?

It’s Not My Job – Then Whose Is It?

We all know this phrase very well. It is often uttered, always thought and never appropriate. Every now and then an employee of a store or office is heard to say “but that’s not my job. Teamwork has always been a hot topic in business but what does it really mean? On a sports team, each person has a specific role, Quarterback, pitcher or goalkeeper. Only when things or plays are broken or a trick does the running back throw a pass instead of the quarterback. It works in sports, but what about in the business world? If you own a business you have never said anything like “it’s not my job”. Similarly, many managers also know intimately that pretty much everything is your job, especially if someone calls in sick. With a small staff or no staff, everything is your job.

If Not Me, Then Who?

Yes, in ordinary circumstances each worker, each player or manager has a different set of expectations placed upon them. This is a good organizational tool and generally works well to let staff know who to go to with questions, needs or suggestions. But what happens when those procedures or systems don’t work? How do people react in an emergency or an unusual customer request? Is it ever ok to say it’s not your area or job? Of course, there is. No one expects the bank teller to empty the trash can in front of the bank. But why shouldn’t that teller bend down and pick up a few loose pieces of trash in the parking lot when they come back from lunch? They should have a certain pride in the place where they spend most of their days. A simple example certainly, but large in its ramifications.

In my own life, I recently attempted to alert a cosmetics cashier in Walmart to a potential hazard in an aisle near their register. I was met with: “Oh, that’s not my area”. I simply asked this person if they walk through the area when they leave. Yes, of course, was the reply. I then posed another question to them, “What if you slip on the debris in the aisle and fall yourself?”  She immediately called for a cleanup in the aisle. Whether any of us realize or not, everything that happens in your place of employment is your business and your job. Remember, if your place of employment is prosperous and successful, you will likely reap the benefits. At the very least, you will keep making a paycheck if it is.

Act Like You Own The Place

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”right” width=”35%”]Every now and then an employee is heard to say “but that’s not my job”. Teamwork has always been a hot topic in business but what does it really mean?[/tweet_box]

Whether you do own it or just check people out, you should take pride in what you do and where you work. It is a trait that will serve you well in every area of your life. We all like people who are professional, helpful and friendly. If you were the owner of your place of employment, isn’t that how you would treat your customers? Why should that treatment change just because you only get an hourly wage? Perhaps it is because your rent, car payment, and electricity are made possible by that very job at that very business. In other words, you have a personal interest in the business succeeding and doing well. You should then do everything in your power to support that success. Even if it is just picking up some pieces of windblown trash in the parking lot or calling for a clean-up without delay.

Here at The Beacon Center our owners clean the toilets, mop the floor and take out the trash. We take great pride in every customer enjoying the same clean, well maintained rental venue. We don’t see dollar signs come through our doors, we see people. Normal, hardworking, caring people who are looking to us to help make that special event or occasion a great one. We place ourselves in your shoes with every rental we book. We value ALL people, ALL Love and ALL beliefs. Variety is what makes the world such a special place. If you find yourself in need of rental space for a meeting, a party or a solemn occasion, we not only act like we own the place, we do! Let us show you how we do this by taking a virtual tour on our website and then scheduling a time to swing by and take your own personal tour.

RELATED BLOGS:

Honesty In Business – Is It Dead?

Being Professional Starts At The Top

Little White Lies of Business

Why Bad Reviews Are Good For Your Business

Is Your Business on Yelp?

Social Media has greatly reduced the distribution of content in our readers’ newsfeeds and is instead promoting their own paid sources. When you share with your friends, however, you greatly help distribute our content. Please take a moment and consider sharing this article with your friends and family. Thank you.