Do Your Job

Growing up there were things we were taught about work ethics and doing a job with pride; even if the task at hand was not something you particularly wanted to do. I have worked since I was 16, and over all those years I have had positions I have liked, and some I have not. One thing that has always been consistent is that I completed every job correctly, and either early or on time.

Then, and now, there are many times that my job can't be completed as I have been held up by someone else. There are certain tasks in any position that rely on another person to complete their part first. When this happens, I am reminded of an old saying that I heard many years ago; "poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency for me."

I used to wonder why some people couldn't organize and plan their time. We all knew what needed to be done, when it was to be completed, and were there the same number of hours each day. In the end I realized that some procrastinated until the last minute, which in turn made life difficult for the ones who did not. Of course, in time, I came to realize that some figured if they procrastinated long enough then others would get the work done, and they were usually right.

Today there are not only the procrastinators, but also ones who are distracted by technology. Perhaps employers have become too accommodating. Cell phones sit on desks and when you take a look around, employees are checking personal email and social media. This practice has become commonplace by those at the top, which sets the example for their employees. It's no wonder that productivity is down.

The bottom line in all of this - overall things remain the same. There are the procrastinators and the ones who get things done. Perhaps if employers set the example, and hold all employees accountable for their work assignments, then the organizers and planners won't be left to handle an "emergency".