Monday, April 21, 2008

Pride, Procrastination and A Positive Attitude!


Everyone appreciates a job well done. On the other hand, everyone appreciates a job done well. Within the confines of a school environment, both of these statements prove so true.
Don’t you enjoy attending an event whether it be a baseball game, a restaurant or some other function and finding it clean, organized and neat? The same thing holds true for our schools. When staff, parents, visitors and students enter the doors of our buildings, they appreciate and comment positively on how they appear. First appearances make a big impression. If we, as custodians, take an interest in our buildings, not only will others appreciate it, but our job will be easier too. Why?
Think about it. If we take pride in our buildings and keep them in the best shape possible, our overall cleaning and maintenance will be minimal. By taking care of problems immediately, we save ourselves a lot of headaches in the long-run. Once a building is “in shape,” then maintaining it is a snap.
Consider. Instead of leaving a spill or stain on a carpet until the next big cleaning, why not take care of it as soon as possible after it happens? If a baseboard molding needs repaired or a hinge needs oiled, put it on a list and take care of it in a timely fashion. Don’t let these little items pile up to become a big, overwhelming problem later. Procrastination will bury you in the long run.
Taking pride in our buildings means we won’t just “do our job” and go home. True, we would all rather be at home enjoying our families and doing things around the house, but while we’re here, why not give it our best. It will give us a feeling of satisfaction, will keep the staff feeling happy, avoid a lot of complaining and will be a positive influence on parents and others who visit. Students too will be less apt to destroy and vandalize a building that’s in shape versus one that is neglected. Like blood coursing through our bodies, if we create an atmosphere of pride and have a positive attitude, those qualities will permeate and flow through the building and through those who enter its doors.
Let’s all examine ourselves, avoiding the temptation to blame others, and really give our best where we work. Although it is not always easy and pleasing everyone never happens, we will know that what we’ve done is our best and it will show by the pride we take in our work.

1 comment:

WCPC - Amy said...

What a truly positive entry that all people can relate in everyday life. I consider working with the custodian staff at Tahoma High School a real pleasure.

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