In the class I took this summer, Dr. Buchanan said, "if you're getting a paycheck from a school district, it's a great place to work for." The whole idea behind that thought is that no matter who you work for, and no matter how bad it may seem, the fact that they employ you and give you a paycheck means that they deserve enough respect that you're not bad-mouthing them all the time. I thought about that a lot while we were on vacation the second time this summer, and a few times since then.

What if everyone had the attitude that, because they're being paid by someone, their employer is, at the time, the best to work for? How would service in restaurants and stores change? Now I've been very impressed with some of the employees in some not-so-high-paying jobs lately, but I've also encountered those who complain about everything they have to do and act as though it's a bother just having to talk to me. The difference? Pride in the job they are doing and support for whoever is writing the check. That's what separates those who will bend over backward to keep a customer happy, no matter what the circumstance, and those who would rather see you turn around and walk out than to help you.

But how does a new generation of employees learn this piece of work ethic? Maybe it's time we start modeling that for them in the classroom and the hallways, and challenging them to have a great attitude beginning with the first job they get, even if it's cleaning the grease trap at McDonald's every Friday night.

Hmm - that reminds me of something else I need to post about - our Good Friday experience at Joe's Crab Shack. Coming soon . . . .