The world would be a better place if everyone could see what needs to be done and just does it. I call it “seeing work.” Some people can see work, and others can’t. Some of the things that need doing are not in any job description. Mostly mundane, these could even be housekeeping type tasks around the office or workplace. Frankly, a lot of this comes with experience. Too many younger workers wait to be told what to do…mostly because they are unsure and not confident, NOT because they are unwilling to work.
If your boss gives you these jobs to do, and they are not part of your job description, what should you do? I blog about this topic (Do I Have to Take Out the Office Trash?) today over at US News and World Report, where I have been invited to write a column for a new careers area on their website.
10 users commented in " Do I Have to Take Out the Trash? "
I can be one of the bad guys in this area. Some of the time I’m just not paying attention. I’m getting better with age.
Congratulations on your new writing assignment over at U.S. News and on your big beautiful new blog!
Now I have to take out the trash…..
Thanks karen….you too! This ‘new’ look was nothing I did. Thanks to Tegan and Eric for making this look better.
They say that actions speak louder than words – and your actions in connection with the development of this blog, networking with other bloggers, spreading by invitation to US News and World Report, updating the appearance and functionality of this site all at the right time speaks volumes about how you have grown your businesses into flourishing successes.
As Elvis said, thankyouverymuch, Conrad.
Congrats–GL I really think this is just the beginning of something even bigger.
It’s your ability to see “work” that has gotten you where you are
On the same topic. A dad asked his teenaged son to take out the trash. The boy has just showered for an outing with his new gal friend and was quite upset at the injustice. He shouted the question to his dad — “Did I ask to be born?”
The dad shot back calmly… “NO … AND i’M GLAD YOU DIDN’T ASK SON … BECAUSE I LIKELY WOULD HAVE SAID NO!”
WHERE WAS THIS GUY WHEN WE NEEDED WITTY COMEBACKS FOR OUR TEENS:-)
Hey GL,
I LOVE the new look of your blog, and congratulations on your U.S. News gig! I love this post too, and especially your phrase – “seeing work.” It brought to mind something that I consider so important in any area of our life, which is developing mindfulness and awareness. Noticing the little things that need to get done and actually doing them – with the genuine attitude of goodwill, as you suggest in your column – is an amazing way to get over yourself and your own ego. And ego is what really stands between us and happiness.
What I’m saying, I guess, is that doing those tedious errands, in addition to helping you score a promotion faster, can actually make you a better and even happier person. Isn’t that great? Now all I need to do is change my own attitude toward cleaning my apartment…
Best,
Izabella
Thanks Izabella…I appreciate it. Have you noticed how a lot of our advice does not apply to ourselves?
Especially cleaning one’s apartment. I talk a good game.
Well, as they say – we teach what we need to learn
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