This video from the A&E TV show, Duck Dynasty, is a pretty good example of what happens when your glasses get too thick. I’m not much into reality TV but for whatever reason this show has caught my attention. After watching the video, think about what stories you’ve been telling? Anytime an organization attempts to change their existing culture or implement a new process, the excuses and stories as to “why not” begin to fly. Over the years we’ve heard the “why not” and the “it’s different here” stories from the 20-year old bank teller with a week’s experience to the old-time banker with over 40 years experience. What’s amazing is that many of their excuses and stories are pretty much identical. This tells us they’re both seeing life through the same pair of thick glasses. If any of the following sound familiar and you’ve said, thought or have done one or more of these in the past few months or so then your glasses may be getting thicker by the day.
- You’ve used the phrase “I’ve always done it that way”. – Just because you’ve always done it that way doesn’t automatically make it the right way or best way. This is a very dangerous mindset and one that is usually a sign that it may be time to retire or move on.
- When talking to coworkers, you find yourself voicing concerns or questioning decisions made by management or leadership. – Our advice… run from these people. If this is you, then Stop It!!! Have a concern? Go directly to your supervisor to discuss the matter. This is what we consider a Communication Non-Negotiable.
- You haven’t done anything to improve yourself in the past 30 days OR you don’t think you need improving. – Sadly there are far too many people out there just like this. They either don’t care; they’re lazy; they think they are good enough; or they don’t like their job. You’ll have to answer that question yourself. Try reading a good leadership or management book this month, maybe a self-improvement book. Hey, you’re reading our blog, that’s a start! Just do something to improve. The day you think you can’t get better is the day you start getting worse.
- I’m working for a bunch of idiots. – If this is you, all I can say is “who’s the idiot if you’re continuing to work there”? It might be time for an attitude adjustment or a job change. Change could be good for everyone involved.
We could go on and on with this list but you should be getting the picture. As you go through your day, make sure you’re taking the necessary steps, listening to the right people and keeping the productive mindset and professional attitude to maintain 20/20 vision in the workplace. Don’t be like Si, thinking you see black panthers in a forest where there are none.
Excellent blog!