The Best Part of the Job

While every job has its challenges, there are so many moments that make a career worthwhile. A CEO has a unique viewpoint of the organization and has the pleasure of seeing the big picture. That vantage point provides a clear view of all the intangibles that make up the best parts of the job. It doesn’t happen by accident, however. There are two consistent actions a leader can take to help create the successes of the organization. First is being present. When you are with your staff or customers, put the phone aside, turn your back to the computer, and focus on that person. Be engaged when it’s important. The second action is to be intentional. The actions a leader takes are deliberate and based on a plan. Decisions are made according to the plan and at the pace the organization can handle. When a leader does those two things and creates success, he or she will have the satisfaction of work that is worthwhile and meaningful.

Seeing Success Happen

The opportunity to see a vision become reality and see the impact it makes brings such joy and satisfaction. Not all successes are big, long-term projects. Some are small day-to-day successes like when a team member earns a promotion or when a potentially challenging situation is resolved. To see the smile on the resident’s (or customer’s) face and to see the satisfaction in the eyes of your team member show that success happens one transaction at a time. While we always look for opportunities to create special moments, it is rewarding to know that each day we make a difference for the people we serve.

From a broader perspective, to have a great team in place all working toward a shared vision is an amazing thing to behold. It is like a well-oiled machine that is humming and immediately responsive to whatever comes. In those moments, the entire team enjoys working together and sees the “why” of their work. The reason they do what they do feels right and good.

Impacting the Community

Every business can have a positive impact on its community. My organization provides employment to nearly 500 people. Our residents have a scholarship fund that provides thousands of dollars in support to our college-aged employees and the children of our team members. We provide a high-quality environment with safe housing, engaging diversions, nutritious meals, and superior health care offerings to the hundreds of people we serve. We own a charity, Lend an Ear Outreach, that provides hearing aids to those who would otherwise not be able to afford them. We support local charities like our local council on aging, law enforcement programs that keep older adults from being exploited, and programs that help with food insecurity and good nutrition for older adults.

This just scratches the surface of the impact we have had on our community over our 35+ year history. It is so rewarding to meet a successful adult who started work as part of our waitstaff team and earned a scholarship to get through college. It makes me happy to hear from a family member who did not have to worry about their parents because they knew we were taking good care of them. Our reputation garners many positive comments and interest in the work we do.

Creating a Positive Workplace

I absolutely love seeing people laughing and having a good time at work. When I walk around and greet the staff, ask about their families, and share a smile, it feels great. Then to see them at employee appreciation events dancing, winning prizes, enjoying a meal, and just having fun together, I know we are making a difference for them. A happy workforce that enjoys where they work will give their all and, together, we achieve success.

I have a recognition program based on our organization’s core values. When a staff member gets nominated for recognition, I write them a personal note thanking them for their amazing contributions. I’ve been asked why I don’t type out the notes, but when a team member goes above and beyond, it is the least I can do to take a few minutes to write out by hand how much I appreciate them.

I also get to sign certificates that recognize years of service. I have staff who have been here 30 years or more. What a rush to be able to thank them for a career of dedicated service and to reminisce with them about decades of positive impact. We also have a program that recognizes when a staff member earns United States citizenship. It is so special to be able to help someone achieve their American dream!

Staff culture takes time and intention to build. It is grounded in shared values and a vision for the work being done. When there is alignment and the staff feel supported and appreciated, that positive workforce translates into a service or product that is set apart and sought out.

Hearing from Happy Customers

While I must address my share of complaints, I also get letter after letter about how wonderful our staff is. About the amazing care a resident received during a rehabilitation stay in our health center. About how special someone felt when our staff recognized their birthday. About the concern and empathy felt by the family of a dying resident. These notes show how important our work is and are a written record of the best part of the job.

When you are overwhelmed by the challenges you face, when you have been berated by an irate customer, when you must end the employment of someone who is not living into the culture you have created, focus on the best parts of the job. Remember that your work is worthwhile. Remember that what you do makes a difference for at least one person every day. Remember that on the day you retire, you want to smile and remember the great moments you helped create over a lifetime of good work.