Stepping Up to the Plate

With all the lay–offs around the country I’ve been seeing elevated tension in several blogs that I read. How does one get a job when few are hiring and those that get the jobs are the cream of the crop.

I’ve spoken with a few of my friends that own companies that employ a lot of people and they are telling me that though it is sad that people are losing their livelihoods this has been an opportunity to cut the wheat from the chaff. These lean times are forcing them to be creative to keep their businesses alive. It is also a good time to show the door to employees that are unwilling to step up to the plate.

I am surprised that in these times some workers will not bend to pick up some slack, make an extra effort to make themselves noticed for being a valued employee.

My brother told me about his daughter who never refuses to do a task at her job and asks if there is anything else she can do. She will do her job anywhere and anytime; nights or weekends, it doesn’t matter. People in her company are being laid off in record numbers, but she continues to get assignments.

I am reminded of a cat that once lived with us. He was a lazy cat that lived to eat and sleep. We brought a new kitten home and thinking he was going to lose his cushy life with us he went out and showed us his worth. For nearly two weeks he spent the days and nights hunting leaving no fewer than five mice, voles and moles at our door step every day. He eventually became secure in his old ways when he realized we weren’t going to replace him.

I find it strange that my cat had a better understanding of how things work in the world of business and industry than many human workers.