Monday, Monday

Yes, I know it's Tuesday. But after a three-day weekend (Thank you MLK) and a sick family, Tuesday can turn into a Monday in a hurry. Was it the near foot of snow that fell? No. I can deal with that. Even had the driveway cleared before I left for work at six. Should have left earlier, but as long as I'm there by seven, no problem. Made it by seven. It's normally a 20-25 minute drive, but I expected that. It was even a balmy 14.8 degrees when I left. And, the Toy didn't overheat. Should probably address that issue soon.

Anyway, I'm going to break from the norm and mention work. I don't normally do that because I don't want to incriminate or upset anyone. So I'll withhold the names to protect any parties that may be involved. No matter what point you are in leadership, things are expected of you. One of those things at my level has shown up in employee opinion surveys. It seems that hourly/frontline people expect that management take time out upon arrival to greet each and every employee with a, "Good morning, (insert name here)." And ask them how they are doing. Remember what they had planned for the weekend and ask about that. Etc, etc, etc. Now when doing this, you must remember to be sincere and have a smile on your face that is genuine and not a pasted on Grand Hotel smile. This is fine. I also happen to think that this is a great practice and it truly does build relationships with your staff. Today, I came through the door and had not even made it to my desk - a fifteen foot walk from the door - before I was greeted by people in their own special greeting which was anything but how I described above.

"Walk with me I need to show you something."
Translated - "Someone put something somewhere I don't like and you need to tell them to do something about it."

"You and I need to talk."
Translated - "Someone did something that pi$$ed me off this morning and you need to speak to them about it."

"Just turn around and go home."
Translated - "Something is so FUBAR that you don't even want to know what it is and it's going to have a major impact on production."

"Could you check my time card, I'm not sure that I punched in."
Translated - "I'm an idiot and I cannot perform the simplest of tasks because I was too busy jaw-jacking about the Packer loss to my co-workers."

"Hey, about those parts we needed for the cosmetics, any word on them?"
Translated - "I know I didn't provide you with the information you asked for on the quantities that I need to perform the work I have here, but I was hoping you got tired of waiting for my sorry a$$ to do it and you went ahead and did it for me."

There once was a Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you'd have done unto you." I've now heard it said that with our warmer, fuzzier social environment that we should, "Treat others the way they wish to be treated as they may not want to be treated the same way you wish to be treated." They're both a big ol' pile of steaming Mackinac Island road apples! In the cases above, had I shot back in the same manner that was exhibited I'd be the jacka$$, jag, knob, a-hole, etc. And I know for a fact that I was not treated the way I wish to be treated. Good grief, people. At least let me set down my things and take off my jacket. And by the way, good morning to you as well. Even though my weekend didn't go as planned, all things considered, I can't complain.

See this pic? I know that at least one of you out there can name the exact location. Maybe it's time to find some extra funds and get to this area again. Hmmmmmm..... plane ticket or new fork for the dos Niner?