He almost killed somebody, but one minute changed his life.
This 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 who was now 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 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.
odogwu
me alone
Friday, March 2, 2012
Love can transform the most commonplace
Love is...
Love is like magic and it always will beFor love still remains lifes sweet mystery
Love works in ways that are wondrous and strange
And there is nothing in life that love cannot change
Love can transform the most commonplace
Into beauty and splendor and sweetness and grace
Love is unselfish, understanding and kind
For it sees with its heart and not with its mind
Love gives and forgives
There is nothing too much
For love to heal with its magic touch
Love is the language that every heart speaks
For love is the one thing that every heart seeks
luv u
switie i wish i cn b wid u 4 8 dys in a wk,25hrs a dy coz i neva seem 2 get enough of u.its 2dy i heard s'bodywhisper ur name bt wen i turned arnd 2c who it was i noticed i was alone dtas wen i realised it was ma heart tellin me how much i miss u!imagine a doctor cn save ma life,a lawyer cn defend ma life,a lawyer cn give me a peaciful life bt only u cn give me ameaningful life!i love u honey!
labours day
This Labor Day
Perhaps Labor Day should be a day to consider the struggles of so many Americans eager to work but unable to find jobs.
NEVER WORK ALONE
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