Sunday, March 23, 2008
Enough is Enough - Again!
I’ve blogged on this before but the situation has not stopped. What’s the situation?
The state of Wisconsin has officially declared this winter season the 2nd snowiest in all of Wisconsin history. The good folks living here are tired - really tired - of shoveling, colds, muscle aches, broken roof rakes, impassable roads, buried mail boxes—well, you get the idea.
We are digging out another 14” of snow which is just so overwhelming since Easter is tomorrow. Instead of showcasing our newest spring fashions, we will be sporting thick sweaters and boots. Enough is enough!
In the midst of this adversity, I saw something happen with the neighbors on my block. From November - February we normally hibernate and don’t see each other. This year, however, we were seeing each other a lot—shoveling driveways, sidewalks, the street.
What started out as complaining back in January has now morphed into a community pulling for each other. The younger kids are forming brigades and automatically shoveling the paths for elderly neighbors. Snow blowers are being loaned graciously. Hot chocolate is being shared generously. There is hope.
If you and your team have been under months of severe pressure, then it’s time to get a reading on the situation. Has the complaining stopped? How are they supporting each other? Are they going above and beyond their normal job description? What is your customer experience? Is morale high?
Adversity can bring out the best and the worst in the team. It’s your responsibility to guide them through the worst and let the best shine through.
Until next time...live like you mean it!
Marjorie