By Amy Beth Miller, editor of The Organized Executive
While my family was enjoying an amazing time last week at Discovery Cove, I noticed employees performing a Sisyphean task. While a thousand guests walked between the beach areas and paved paths all day, employees swept the sand off the walkways.
When I noted the never-ending task, my husband pointed out that no employee seemed doomed to do it all day long. He noticed one employee who had been sweeping was later giving wet suits and snorkel masks to guests, and during another part of her shift worked in the locker area, handing out keys.
A few evenings later, as our family left Epcot after the fireworks, we noticed cleaning crews standing in lines beside the walkways. Each “cast member” (as Disney calls its employees) was smiling and waiving a hand in a Mickey Mouse glove to the departing guests. Visitors who might not have noticed the crew’s diligent work all day smiled and waived back.
One of my first bosses said you can’t avoid all “grungy” work, but if it’s only part of your job that’s OK.
Think about how you assign your team members’ work. Even if most of their work is a dirty or thankless task, make some assignment that will give them a break or a smile.
Do the same for yourself as you plan your day. If you have to deal with something you dread, such as delivering negative feedback, schedule something that you enjoy to follow it.
What is the worst task you’ve had to do at work?
[Image Source: Coconut Headsets]
Filed under: Dos and Don'ts, Leadership Tagged: | Discovery Cove, Disney, employee performance, employee recognition, Sisyphus
