One Minute Can Change A Life
He almost killed somebody, but one minute changed his life. The
beautiful story comes from Sherman Rogers' old book, FOREMEN: LEADERS
OR DRIVERS? In his true-life story, Rogers illustrates the importance
of effective relationships.
During his college years, Rogers spent a summer in an Idaho logging
camp. When the superintendent had to leave for a few days, he put
Rogers in charge.
"What if the men refuse to follow my orders?" Rogers asked. He
thought of Tony, an immigrant worker who grumbled and growled all
day, giving the other men a hard time.
"Fire them," the superintendent said. Then, as if reading Rogers'
mind, he added, "I suppose you think you are going to fire Tony if you
get the chance. I'd feel badly about that. I have been logging for 40
years. Tony is the most reliable worker I've ever had. I know he is a
grouch and that he hates everybody and everything. But he comes in
first and leaves last. There has not been an accident for eight years
on the hill where he works."
Rogers took over the next day. He went to Tony and spoke to him.
"Tony, do you know I'm in charge here today?" Tony grunted. "I was
going to fire you the first time we tangled, but I want you to know
I'm not," he told Tony, adding what the superintendent had said.
When he finished, Tony dropped the shovelful of sand he had held and
tears streamed down his face. "Why he no tell me dat eight years ago?"
That day Tony worked harder than ever before -- and he smiled! He
later said to Rogers, "I told Maria you first foreman in deese country
who ever say, 'Good work, Tony,' and it make Maria feel like
Christmas."
Rogers went back to school after that summer. Twelve years later he
met Tony again. He was superintendent for railroad construction for
one of the largest logging companies in the West. Rogers asked him how
he came to California and happened to have such success.
Tony replied, "If it not be for the one minute you talk to me back in
Idaho, I keel somebody someday. One minute, she change my whole
life."
Effective managers know the importance of taking a moment to point out
what a worker is doing well. But what a difference a minute of
affirmation can make in any relationship!
One minute. Have you got one minute to thank someone? A minute to tell
someone what you sincerely like or appreciate about her? A minute
to elaborate on something he did well? One minute. It can make a
difference for a lifetime.
~ Steve Goodier ~
[ by: Steve Goodier (LifeSupport@yahoogroups.com) -- {used with permission} ]
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