by Felicia M. Banks with Contributions from Rajah E. Smart
How many of us have caught ourselves saying lately, "Just do yo damn job," in reference to folks that can't even complete the bare minimum? A person receives compensation for completing minimum tasks. That means there is a minimum threshold that you must meet for compensation. That is not saying excel at work, but at least do the bare minimum to meet the needs. Whether ordering take-out, contracting services for your home, or on the job, do your part. There are a few scenarios that illustrate this point.
Scenario 1
Recently, a power line needed to be repaired in the yard. The electric services were called to come and complete the work. The plan was to arrive at the property, assess the issue, dig the trench, fix the line, inspect it, fill the trench, and ensure the power was live. Now, this is their specialty and what they do daily. Why does a call have to be made each time to remind that each segment needs completion? It's your job. Why do they need reminders to their job?
Scenario 2
Take-out was ordered, which doesn't usually happen, but it was a lazy day. I used Grub Hub and followed the prompts. I paid, and now it was time to wait on the vittles. The order arrived, and the delivery person began to tell me a story about how the restaurant messed up my order and some other details irrelevant to someone not seeking human contact at that time. After all that, I received the wrong order and was subjected to the nonsense that had nothing to do with me when all they had to do was their job. Take the order, make sure it is accurate, and deliver. It's all a process, so who didn't do their minimum to ensure it was successful?
Scenario 3
Who doesn't love to talk about work? Work is the poster child for just do your part, especially when you do your part but then become responsible for someone who does not do their minimum. These are the people that are the smartest but the least productive. They sound good but don't have one bullet in the chamber. Or, they complain about everything but do nothing. You have to pick up the slack but then be underappreciated and pissed on even though you work hard. Or, these slackers dislike you because you are productive. This is why the productive folks quit at work and do the bare minimum to get by. Imagine noticing new people being hired without training and support, but expected to do the minimum. Well, the person required to train is not training. Thus, the obvious thing to do is support the folks because if they can't do your work stops, adversely impacting your production. Therefore, you are doing someone else's work and not receiving the coin that comes along with the effort.
Imagine a world where folks just did their job. Just do what is asked. I'm not asking for back flips or massages. If your specialty says to do this, do it. You can be all in your feelings about the culture of a place but at least do the bare minimum requested not to impact others. A good culture may give folks the effort to do more, but there is still a benchmark setting we must meet. Not doing your job adversely impacts various processes.
Disclaimer: Now, this is different for those in social services (teachers, case workers, etc.) because those folks have to deal with sometimes needy, abusive, or unappreciative folks. Caseworkers sometimes encounter folks that moan about providing the necessary paperwork to receive money, burnout, and some workers who put pressure on other workers because they aren't working. I guess those folks who have to submit the required paperwork should do their damn job too. Turn in the paperwork and follow the instructions to receive funds. Of course, that speaks more to entitlement. Let the government tell me I can get 20% off my student loans each year and all I have to do is turn in paperwork. I guess I would be turning in paperwork and would be nice about it.
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