Find the best person for the job, the second best is too expensive.*

"Good employees/workers are hard to find. So I did everything possible to keep them. Looking for new ones (unknowns) is like betting in Las Vegas.” Joe Z my former boss

Story Line: About two years ago, we needed some work done in our home. A good friend recommended a guy. Listening to his clear explanations about the things he was working on and observing how he conducted work, we were impressed. After work was completed with precision, he cleaned up not only work area but surrounding space too, rolled and tied loose items like nets and hoses that were scattered in the garden area and removed invasive plants; none of which were any part of the job he was asked to do. After that he asked us if there is anything else that he could do. That raised our curiosity about this person.

The next time he came to our place, we asked him to join us for breakfast before starting his work. During our chat, we discovered that in his 20s and 30s, he had spent many years in Saipan and learnt many skills. He had passion for technical (electrical, mechanical) subjects and loved to build and fix items. He also owned many pigeons and trained them for racing. We learnt how much care he took in preparing organic food for his flock. We appreciated clarity of his thought process in everything he described and thoroughly enjoyed the conversation.

Our dog, Zena Doolittle, also seemed to like him a lot. So when we were going to be out of town, he offered to take care of her. When Zena returned, she was well groomed and her water and food containers were shiny like brand new ones.

Over last two years, he has demonstrated his versatility and commitment to excellence in many projects; with each one executed flawlessly. But what about the value for dependability, reliability, integrity and trustworthiness?

Reflection:

Work was what we needed done in our home but what we got as bonus was learning about his values, high work ethics, attitude towards life and good family friendship. Every time he comes, first 15 minutes before start of work are spent on chismis (chit chat) and last 45 minutes of the day on shoot the breeze session about various aspects of life over mirianda (snack and drink)

 He was from a small town in Pampanga, Philippines. His father passed away early. He wanted to be an engineer and got admission in University. But he was sent off to Saipan to work. So he learnt different skills and gained experience by doing different jobs; with utility industry, airlines and others. Eventhough he could not get a degree he wanted, he demonstrates high level of education.

 

*My father used to tell me this quote that he believed was from Senior Rockefeller. Following that message had served them well. I too have been fortunate in my life to follow and benefit immensely from those words of wisdom.

Thanks to Prasadbhai Vepa for sharing: Your Work is Your Signature Quote.

Comments

[Anand]

Having observed this person’s work and attitudinal characters for last two years, there is enough stories for a book. He very well demonstrates seven values on which Friday Reflections stories are based upon.

[sujat]

This is very nice. Thank you for sharing. 🙏

I have learnt over the years that skills and talent can be sourced with reasonable search, compensated for, or even replaced; but integrity, ethics and dedication cannot be.

[Sam]

This is the great insight of a true people leader. You focused on the quality of work and commitment and also believed that there is a lack of high quality workers. This mindset is critical. The alternative philosophy is that people are all replaceable and there is a over supply of great people. In my experience, this latter belief is flawed and not based in reality and also makes one lose good high caliber employees.

[Gloria]

Absolutely right strategy. Keep them happy, you will be rewarded with good work.

[PE]

very nice story!

[Shardamandir Friend]

If u have high level of different types of educational knowledge than there is no need of Just a Degree

[Santosh ( contended)]

Positive people attack positive good people 👍

[Lee Ann]

What a touching post. Love it and love finding people like that.

[Jessica]

He is truly a remarkable person. I thoroughly enjoyed conversing with him when he did our gutter cleanup.

[FE-Japan]

It’s a blessing that you got to know him and his values that are worth emulating. 😊

[Pulao Penang]

A person of remarkable character. 👍

[Cebuana]

Seldom you can find a truly remarkable and dedicated person to work. I hate to be biased but I noticed that a lot of younger workers don't seem to be more dedicated. They don't even stick to one job. They hopped from job to job thinking that this is good for them. Then money is all they cared about. I applaud the worker you indicated on your reflection. He is a gem...

[Bhakti]

Wow! What a beautiful person and what a beautiful insight..I totally agree with the line..your work is your signature..my dad says the same thing and makes sure the stamp is visible in every field rather than only the work that has been assigned..thank you for sharing this!