So many people today just don’t have the gumption that is needed to succeed in this old world.
A case in point came this last week in Rhode Island where a would-be bank robber was told that if he wanted to get ahead in the game he’d have to get himself around earlier for work.
After all, you can’t just wait around for a robbery to be convenient.
According to the Associated Press story, the man had a security door shut in his face and he was told he was too late. Robbery hour was past.
The authorities reported “the man gave the teller a note written on a ripped paper plate that said, ‘This is a robbery.’
“The teller put down the security curtain, told the man the branch was closing and closed the security screen door.
“The man walked quickly away, empty-handed.
“Police are looking for the man.”
Actually, in a way, it’s a good example, and one that more of us ought to notice.
Whether it’s in our kids, our employees or the people who provide us with service when we are out and about, it wouldn’t hurt us to pay a little more attention to those people who DO get the job done right.
Sure, we notice those who don’t bother to come to work on time, who shirk their duties when they are there, who would rather gossip and play computer games than to serve the public. It’s easy to notice the squeaky wheel. How can you miss it?
The others, who follow the rules, who get the job done, who even put forth extra effort whether they have to or not, just because they want to do a good job, frequently go without being noticed.
A good example? The other person in this story. The bank clerk who was quick thinking enough to tell the crook, “Sorry. You’re too late to rob us today,” and shut the security equipment.
Hopefully, someone at the bank gave the clerk some credit.
Hopefully, the rest of us could also start watching for those workers who get it right.
They don’t hear it often enough. Try to let them know their work is appreciated.
— Chuck Smith