This past weekend, my inspiration for today’s blog was inspired by the words of a painting associate who told me that the general manager/director was visiting his location.

 

He said, “People are scurrying around looking busy in preparation for his presence.”

 

What I learned and taught during my seven years as a Scout leader is impressive, teaching young people always to do your best.  We taught them the slogan “To do a good turn daily.”

Boy Scout Slogan (usscouts.org)

During the 1996 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, also known as Atlanta 1996 and commonly referred to as the Centennial Olympic), I witnessed this mentality.

 

The military reinforced those principles and also taught me to do my best.

 

Yet, I still see many adults or soon-to-be adults where this message of doing your best hasn’t transformed all.

 

I don’t believe it has transformed when I visit different places and see people either on their phones, yawning from a lack of sleep, or verbally telling me they are ready to go home.

 

However, it’s not all doom and gloom, and there is always room for improvement for all ages.  There are places where employees hold each other accountable, and those locations continue to receive my business.

 

Ironically, I saw that in action last Saturday evening as I ordered a to-go food.  The person on the register was a young male, making it happen for everyone to see his talents.  He was energetic; it was not my first time seeing his talents on display.

 

I learned in the military from a retired Four Star General that we should remember that someone is always watching us.

 

I know if management went back and reviewed the footage on the camera, that is the type of employee destined to go places.

 

What are your reminders for doing your best?

 

How are you doing your best today when no one is watching?

What does it take to do your best, or are you waiting for others to show you the way?

 

https://www.effortlesshr.com/blog/9-tips-for-an-effective-employee-discipline-strategy/

 

In looking at a McKinsey Quarterly article dated May 1, 2015, I wonder how times have changed since they wrote about “The simple rules of disciplined innovation.”

 

The simple rules of disciplined innovation | McKinsey

 

We often hear people making it simple for individuals to follow the rules, yet there’s a different mentality in the workplace.

 

I know there has been a shift in the workplace mentality since the Pandemic.

 

Here’s what employees want after COVID-19 – McKinsey report | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)

 

Some people have gotten the memo, and some have not.

 

During my visit this past Saturday at the local Home Improvement Center, it was clear that a sense of urgency is still required to get employee’s attention.

 

As one who studies “Emotional Intelligence,” I can quickly spot those with a problem with self-regulation and can’t control their emotions instead of allowing them to control them.

 

Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: What You Should Know (leaders.com)

 

The gentleman who told me the General Manager/Director was visiting his location was a prime example of managing one’s feelings and learning to adapt to different situations.

 

Imagine how it would be if only we could do our best when no one is watching and serving others to a higher standard without the Carrot and Stick.

 

Carrot and Stick Motivation: Definition and Examples in the Workplace | Indeed.com

 

Today, as you and I look in the mirror, are we doing our best or simply allowing our emotional intelligence to get the best of us?

 

I believe the quote from H. Jackson Brown says it all! “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.