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VHT Chief Technology Officer
 
Group: VHT Sales
Last Login: 3/8/2009 9:44:16 PM
Posts: 17,
Visits: 60
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Today, I was reminded about how going the extra mile just doesn't exist at some work places. No, don't worry I'm not talking about VHT. The experience I'm referring to happened when I came home from work and found 8 bags of leaves at the edge of my lawn.
The kids at church were raising money by raking yards and so we invited them over. They raked up about 15 bags of leaves and pine needles. 7 bags were dragged to the mailbox where the trash is picked up every week. Another 8 bags were at the curb too, but they were about 30 feet down from the mailbox. Last night I thought about dragging the 8 bags over to be with the others, but I didn't. It was cold and I just wanted to relax after 2 hours of trick or treating. This morning, as I pulled out of the driveway, I thought that this would be a good test for the garbage men. Would they go the extra mile (30 feet) and pick up the 8 extra bags? Or would they just drive past them and mock me for not placing them in the designated location. Well, to my dismay (but not complete shock) they were still sitting at the curb when I came home today.
Now you should know that this isn't the city's garbage truck. Because I live 'out there' a little bit, I have to pay for a private garbage service and I've been a good paying customer for over 4 years now. For example, I separate my recyclables very nicely for them. I remove nails from the boards so no one is impaled. I cut my branches and neatly tie them up into little 3-foot bundles. But no matter. When it came time for a little love in return, I was spurned.
This experience has convinced me of something. Going the extra 30 feet, let alone the extra mile is either part of your company's culture, or it isn't...and it starts with leadership who must set a good example by doing little things above and beyond the normal routine. You see, left unchecked, most folks will take the path of least resistance. Like a river...it's the natural course of things and this is why leaders have to work extra hard. Leaders have to go against the flow and find opportunities to show others what going the extra mile looks like. I believe it is a learned behavior, therefore, we must teach it to others.
I bet you my garbage man learned to drive by leaf bags that were not in the designated location because when he was a young and impressionable garbage man just starting out in his career, he saw his leader and mentor do it. When you're a leader, your people are watching every move you make and listening to every word you say. So please, show them what going the extra mile looks like, and when you do, your trash won't be left on the curb for everyone to stare at for another week.
Edited: 12/31/2008 9:36:51 PM by ecamulli
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