Thursday, May 3, 2012
Grace and Stature
We reach an age when we measure years by the stature of the children we know.
Has it been six months already we gasp when we run into a friend with a new baby.
Can that be that the same curly headed child that used to stand on tiptoes at the counter we ask as we look up into the face of a teenager that is now taller than we are.
I ran into one of my old friends recently. We were young once.
She was third grade teacher to both my daughters. Many of our family’s favorite stories from their childhood happened in her classroom; learning with her was such a gentle, joyful, communal experience.
Denise also taught our son-in-law. He was five years older than my daughter and already in junior high when our daughter reached third grade. The future lovebirds were oblivious to each other in those days of pre-pubescent, elementary learning.
It is magical to look back at the process of growing up with the perspective of an old person. Not only your own childhood, but also your kids’ childhoods takes on a quality of foreshadowing in retrospect as you consider the way things unfold.
To our family, there is something almost time-warped about Denise’s third grade classroom now.
Denise grinned affectionately and shook her head, as if in bewilderment, at the thought of those two little ones, now all grown up and creating a home together. They are perfect for each other, opposites balancing each other out by delightful design, but who knew it back then?
In third grade, his gangly legs, like the sprouting limbs of all little boys tucked under a miniature desk, were jittery, stillness eluding them ever few seconds. His mind struggled to focus while he was trying not to daydream about after school adventures with his brothers.
A few years later, our daughter sat in the same classroom, her eager mind soaking up history and reading, always in the moment. I can easily picture her, like so many third-grade girls, with her hand raised, eager with an answer and a joyous smile. Her younger sister followed close behind, soaking up math and science, creating soccer anthems out of hymns on the playground with a close friend who is also all grown up now.
As we age, we get to teach our kiddoes to extend grace to one another in school. Because we remember our own childhood and the idiosyncrasies of the kids we shared it with, we understand how those stories unfold.
My son-in-law tells me that his clearest memory of third grade was the day his dad accidentally let a rat snake loose in Denise’s classroom.
They don’t pay teachers enough.
Perhaps one of the best rewards of experience is knowing how some of the stories turn out.
Seeing kiddoes grow in grace and stature, a reward of age.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
True love? Maybe.
Romance is in the air and with Valentine’s Day, that recurring question:
How do you know he’s the one?
Yep, it is the question that has plagued single women for centuries.
Okay, just decades. Since arranged marriages fell out of favor.
On a side note, most parents are still in favor of arranged marriages, but that is a different column.
Is it his darling smile?
Those crystal clear blue eyes?
The laugh?
Nah, women are a lot more practical than that.
One friend who leans toward math genius status in my world narrowed it down to a mathematical equation.
Thirty percent is intelligence, 30% personality, which basically means a sense of humor, and 30% looks. Not necessarily in that order.
The other 10% is all about the bonus points; he plays the guitar, likes to cook, likes to travel, is bilingual. You know, the random extras.
All that presupposes the man has a dynamic faith of his own. Because, let’s face it, marriage is a daily act of faith. Sometimes minute by minute.
I suspect for guys it is 100% looks, but that’s just a guess.
Still, I know lots of gals who fall for the wrong dude.
So, how do you know when he is Mr. Right?
Here’s my best advice:
1) You would follow him to Australia, be poor together, and think it was an adventure.
2) When you finally tell him your most guarded inadequacy, he chuckles.
3) You are both made more brilliant by each other.
By brilliant I mean, more luminous.
In other words, the super-shiney, God-inspired, walk-of-life ministry you do naturally as two separate people is more than doubled by your team effort.
We all know couples who epitomize the “Brilliant Principal of Romance.”
One of my favorite brilliant couples is using their retirement years to work with the youth at their church. Because of their faith and confidence, they are sometimes scolded by church folks who don’t quite get the beauty of drawing in the kids who need help the most. You know, the sort of kids that can make Christian folks uncomfortable.
The great thing about this brilliantly in-love couple is they think it’s fun to spend time with the misfit kids, the ones who need mentoring and encouraging.
Match made in heaven.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
How do you know he’s the one?
Yep, it is the question that has plagued single women for centuries.
Okay, just decades. Since arranged marriages fell out of favor.
On a side note, most parents are still in favor of arranged marriages, but that is a different column.
Is it his darling smile?
Those crystal clear blue eyes?
The laugh?
Nah, women are a lot more practical than that.
One friend who leans toward math genius status in my world narrowed it down to a mathematical equation.
Thirty percent is intelligence, 30% personality, which basically means a sense of humor, and 30% looks. Not necessarily in that order.
The other 10% is all about the bonus points; he plays the guitar, likes to cook, likes to travel, is bilingual. You know, the random extras.
All that presupposes the man has a dynamic faith of his own. Because, let’s face it, marriage is a daily act of faith. Sometimes minute by minute.
I suspect for guys it is 100% looks, but that’s just a guess.
Still, I know lots of gals who fall for the wrong dude.
So, how do you know when he is Mr. Right?
Here’s my best advice:
1) You would follow him to Australia, be poor together, and think it was an adventure.
2) When you finally tell him your most guarded inadequacy, he chuckles.
3) You are both made more brilliant by each other.
By brilliant I mean, more luminous.
In other words, the super-shiney, God-inspired, walk-of-life ministry you do naturally as two separate people is more than doubled by your team effort.
We all know couples who epitomize the “Brilliant Principal of Romance.”
One of my favorite brilliant couples is using their retirement years to work with the youth at their church. Because of their faith and confidence, they are sometimes scolded by church folks who don’t quite get the beauty of drawing in the kids who need help the most. You know, the sort of kids that can make Christian folks uncomfortable.
The great thing about this brilliantly in-love couple is they think it’s fun to spend time with the misfit kids, the ones who need mentoring and encouraging.
Match made in heaven.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Houston Re-visited
No matter what others may say, Houston has become a mighty romantic place to hang out, if you like art and ethnic food.
Check in and stay for a long romantic weekend at the Hotel ZaZa, smack dab in the center of the Museum District and only a few blocks from all things medical in Houston. Newly renovated, I recommend shopping online for one of the ZaZa’s spacious suites overlooking their sparkling Mediterranean-inspired swimming pool. Check for deals on any ZaSpa packages.
Besides the obvious, like Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts directly across the street from the ZaZa, this international city also has an often-overlooked sampling of art created and collected with a spiritual perspective.
For instance, there’s the Byzantine Fresco Chapel, which was created to rescue a set of stolen and ransomed frescoes. By 1992, the city of Houston and the Menil Foundation had teamed up to become the stewards of the frescoes, which forever belong to the Church of Cyprus. The church is reclaiming them, so they will be going home soon.
Don’t miss the Rothko Chapel, an internationally known draw, with its focus on human rights. If you are traveling with traditionalists, prepare them for the minimalist flavor of the chapel, so they can experience quiet with a meditative heart.
“It has become a pilgrimage for thousands of visitors who are drawn by its importance both as an artistic masterpiece and as a gathering place for people of all religious beliefs,” according to Rothko literature.
I recommend a visit to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, only a few blocks from Hotel ZaZa and the Rothko Chapel. If you are there on a Sunday, visitors are welcome to join worship. On other days of the week, priests are gracious and hospitable about informing respectful visitors about the significance of icons in Greek Orthodox tradition.
If you are a bibliophile, stop by the book store while you are at the church for a thorough selection of all things related to icons and icon painting, along with great choices in Greek heritage and the history of Greek immigration to America.
As long as Greek is on the art tour, why not take in cultural cuisine, too?
Choosing one or two items off the extensive menu at Byzantio Café and Bar is impossible. So, meet friends and order a huge spread to try it all.
Every bite is delicious, from the lamb souvlaki to the hummus to the gyros, and especially the tzatziki sauce.
With neighbors and regulars laughing and greeting each other across the restaurant, Byzantio feels like a great big Greek American family reunion.
And since you are having an art holiday, don’t miss the photography on the walls. Personal and expressive, we especially enjoyed the depictions of the local belly dancers who perform at the restaurant every Thursday night.
Belly dancing; a perfect excuse to start a romantic weekend in Houston early.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Check in and stay for a long romantic weekend at the Hotel ZaZa, smack dab in the center of the Museum District and only a few blocks from all things medical in Houston. Newly renovated, I recommend shopping online for one of the ZaZa’s spacious suites overlooking their sparkling Mediterranean-inspired swimming pool. Check for deals on any ZaSpa packages.
Besides the obvious, like Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts directly across the street from the ZaZa, this international city also has an often-overlooked sampling of art created and collected with a spiritual perspective.
For instance, there’s the Byzantine Fresco Chapel, which was created to rescue a set of stolen and ransomed frescoes. By 1992, the city of Houston and the Menil Foundation had teamed up to become the stewards of the frescoes, which forever belong to the Church of Cyprus. The church is reclaiming them, so they will be going home soon.
Don’t miss the Rothko Chapel, an internationally known draw, with its focus on human rights. If you are traveling with traditionalists, prepare them for the minimalist flavor of the chapel, so they can experience quiet with a meditative heart.
“It has become a pilgrimage for thousands of visitors who are drawn by its importance both as an artistic masterpiece and as a gathering place for people of all religious beliefs,” according to Rothko literature.
I recommend a visit to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, only a few blocks from Hotel ZaZa and the Rothko Chapel. If you are there on a Sunday, visitors are welcome to join worship. On other days of the week, priests are gracious and hospitable about informing respectful visitors about the significance of icons in Greek Orthodox tradition.
If you are a bibliophile, stop by the book store while you are at the church for a thorough selection of all things related to icons and icon painting, along with great choices in Greek heritage and the history of Greek immigration to America.
As long as Greek is on the art tour, why not take in cultural cuisine, too?
Choosing one or two items off the extensive menu at Byzantio Café and Bar is impossible. So, meet friends and order a huge spread to try it all.
Every bite is delicious, from the lamb souvlaki to the hummus to the gyros, and especially the tzatziki sauce.
With neighbors and regulars laughing and greeting each other across the restaurant, Byzantio feels like a great big Greek American family reunion.
And since you are having an art holiday, don’t miss the photography on the walls. Personal and expressive, we especially enjoyed the depictions of the local belly dancers who perform at the restaurant every Thursday night.
Belly dancing; a perfect excuse to start a romantic weekend in Houston early.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Motivating your employees, not babysitting them, Part 3
Hasn’t entitlement overtaken our national conscience?
Somebody owes me something all the time now, it would seem.
My grandparents would roll over in their graves if they heard the attitude commonly purveyed in our culture now. Modest folks with not a penny to spare, my grandparents worked hard. Never would they have demanded an education or health care. I bet yours were the same way.
It simply never entered their minds to demand anything.
If they wanted something, they worked for it.
Expecting someone else to pay for stuff, even with tax dollars, would have seemed like thievery to them.
So what motivated that generation and how can we motivate those around us?
Folks are basically motivated by four things – stuff, security, significance, and, finally the biggie, a vision combined with a solid relationship with the one in authority. If you missed the first part of this three-part series, you can find it on this paper’s website.
Business owners simply cannot afford to “babysit” their employees; that is, they cannot treat employees like dependant children.
Everyone I know who is employed right now is getting paid one salary to do the job of two people. We are living in an economy when folks are being forced to grow up and behave like hard-working adults.
Simply put, a business owner does his employees a favor when he manages his business well, finding the right balance between providing customer services and keeping expenses down.
In the work place, training your employees to take ownership of your business is a crucial part of success.
Because of the shifting employment picture, it is crucial to offer your employees opportunities to acquire skills while they are gainfully employed by you. That does not have to involve expensive classes. It can be as simple as cross-training employees so they can cover for each other.
One bonus to cross training is that team unity happens when people appreciate each other’s skills.
Did our grandparents miss the privileges we take for granted, like education and health care? Did not having stuff make our grandparents bitter?
No, it made them resourceful and grateful. Working hard gave them confidence. It made them generous.
Some of us are old enough to remember those days.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Somebody owes me something all the time now, it would seem.
My grandparents would roll over in their graves if they heard the attitude commonly purveyed in our culture now. Modest folks with not a penny to spare, my grandparents worked hard. Never would they have demanded an education or health care. I bet yours were the same way.
It simply never entered their minds to demand anything.
If they wanted something, they worked for it.
Expecting someone else to pay for stuff, even with tax dollars, would have seemed like thievery to them.
So what motivated that generation and how can we motivate those around us?
Folks are basically motivated by four things – stuff, security, significance, and, finally the biggie, a vision combined with a solid relationship with the one in authority. If you missed the first part of this three-part series, you can find it on this paper’s website.
Business owners simply cannot afford to “babysit” their employees; that is, they cannot treat employees like dependant children.
Everyone I know who is employed right now is getting paid one salary to do the job of two people. We are living in an economy when folks are being forced to grow up and behave like hard-working adults.
Simply put, a business owner does his employees a favor when he manages his business well, finding the right balance between providing customer services and keeping expenses down.
In the work place, training your employees to take ownership of your business is a crucial part of success.
Because of the shifting employment picture, it is crucial to offer your employees opportunities to acquire skills while they are gainfully employed by you. That does not have to involve expensive classes. It can be as simple as cross-training employees so they can cover for each other.
One bonus to cross training is that team unity happens when people appreciate each other’s skills.
Did our grandparents miss the privileges we take for granted, like education and health care? Did not having stuff make our grandparents bitter?
No, it made them resourceful and grateful. Working hard gave them confidence. It made them generous.
Some of us are old enough to remember those days.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Thanksgiving and the Delightful Dozen
We all give thanks by giving back.
In November, I always celebrate my birthday - 53 total so far – with a series of small checks in honor of folks who make East Texas so fabulous.
I just wish I had more money. I started posting the lists when I started writing this column to make your “shopping” easier as Christmas approaches.
This year, with all the talk of recession, I am focusing on faith-based ministries that address physical or emotional needs. I am also highlighting some organizations that are economically sensible choices because they make East Texas an appealing place to live or visit.
1) Christus Mission Clinic, 307 Cain Street, Bullard TX 75757 903-894-0109.
2) Bethesda Health Clinic, 409 W. Ferguson, Tyler TX, 903-596-8353 or www.bethesdaclinic.org.
3) CARE, Christ-centered Abortion Recovery of East Texas, www.careabortionrecovery.com.
4) Meals on Wheals Ministry Inc, 3001 Robertson Road, Tyler TX 75701, 800-451-2912 or 903-593-7385 or www.mealsonwheelseasttexas.org.
5) Project HEAT, Healthy Action Eating Team, devoted to impacting American health by changing the way the next generation and their families eat, PO Box 1278, Chandler TX 75758 or www.projectheatonline.org.
6) Pine Cove Christian Camps, PO Box 9055, Tyler TX 75711, 903-561-0231 or www.pinecove.com.
7) Boys and Girls Club of East Texas, 504 W. 32nd St, Tyler TX 75702, 903.593.9211 or Lauren@bgcet.org.
8) Literacy Council of Tyler, PO Box 6662, Tyler TX 75711, 903.533.0330 or go to www.lcotyler.org.
9) Living Alternatives, PO Box 131466, Tyler TX 75713, 903.882.0182 or www.livingalternatives.org.
10) The Women’s Symphony League of Tyler, 107 E. Erwin, Tyler, TX 75702, 903.596.9154 or www.wsltyler.org.
11) American Freedom Museum, AMF Development, 1051 N. Houston St, Bullard TX 75757 or www.americanfreedommuseum.org.
12) East Texas Hall of Fame Museum and Cultural Arts Complex, in the early planning stages, via The Arts & Humanities Council of East Texas. Call 903.216.3671 or go to www.artscouncilet.org
I wanted to give you a sentence about why I love each of the above, but I ran out of column inches. So, please go to their websites or better yet, volunteer.
Picking only a dozen non-profits in East Texas is nearly impossible. If your favorite was not on my list this year, just send me their address and why you love ‘em. I would love an excuse to get your best-loved nonprofit in before the first of the year, too.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
In November, I always celebrate my birthday - 53 total so far – with a series of small checks in honor of folks who make East Texas so fabulous.
I just wish I had more money. I started posting the lists when I started writing this column to make your “shopping” easier as Christmas approaches.
This year, with all the talk of recession, I am focusing on faith-based ministries that address physical or emotional needs. I am also highlighting some organizations that are economically sensible choices because they make East Texas an appealing place to live or visit.
1) Christus Mission Clinic, 307 Cain Street, Bullard TX 75757 903-894-0109.
2) Bethesda Health Clinic, 409 W. Ferguson, Tyler TX, 903-596-8353 or www.bethesdaclinic.org.
3) CARE, Christ-centered Abortion Recovery of East Texas, www.careabortionrecovery.com.
4) Meals on Wheals Ministry Inc, 3001 Robertson Road, Tyler TX 75701, 800-451-2912 or 903-593-7385 or www.mealsonwheelseasttexas.org.
5) Project HEAT, Healthy Action Eating Team, devoted to impacting American health by changing the way the next generation and their families eat, PO Box 1278, Chandler TX 75758 or www.projectheatonline.org.
6) Pine Cove Christian Camps, PO Box 9055, Tyler TX 75711, 903-561-0231 or www.pinecove.com.
7) Boys and Girls Club of East Texas, 504 W. 32nd St, Tyler TX 75702, 903.593.9211 or Lauren@bgcet.org.
8) Literacy Council of Tyler, PO Box 6662, Tyler TX 75711, 903.533.0330 or go to www.lcotyler.org.
9) Living Alternatives, PO Box 131466, Tyler TX 75713, 903.882.0182 or www.livingalternatives.org.
10) The Women’s Symphony League of Tyler, 107 E. Erwin, Tyler, TX 75702, 903.596.9154 or www.wsltyler.org.
11) American Freedom Museum, AMF Development, 1051 N. Houston St, Bullard TX 75757 or www.americanfreedommuseum.org.
12) East Texas Hall of Fame Museum and Cultural Arts Complex, in the early planning stages, via The Arts & Humanities Council of East Texas. Call 903.216.3671 or go to www.artscouncilet.org
I wanted to give you a sentence about why I love each of the above, but I ran out of column inches. So, please go to their websites or better yet, volunteer.
Picking only a dozen non-profits in East Texas is nearly impossible. If your favorite was not on my list this year, just send me their address and why you love ‘em. I would love an excuse to get your best-loved nonprofit in before the first of the year, too.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Empty Suitcases
We only keep what we give away.
When a young mom gave birth to her first son, she received lots of presents from friends who knew she didn’t have anything for a boy.
One gift stood out, though. Rather than buy a gift, this friend, the mother of two older boys, went to her own sentimental box and gift-wrapped a Baby’s First Christmas bib and a beautiful piece of art from her own nursery.
A few months later, at the crack of dawn, the young mother received a phone call. The friend’s house had burned down in the night.
In the days that followed, it became clear that the only mementos her friend would be able to retrieve, like pictures of her children, were going to be the ones she had given away to grandparents and friends, including a bib and a piece of art from her own nursery.
I know this is a true story because my friend gave me the bib and the art when my son was born.
Recently, a lady told me a story about her husband, which illustrates the truth about hilarious giving.
This family makes regular trips to a beloved third world country, but on their first trip, they were overwhelmed by all the physical needs that go unmet daily in that place.
As they were packing to return home that first time, her husband suddenly flipped over his suitcase and dumped all the contents on the bed.
“We are giving this all away,” he announced with excitement.
Knowing how Americans travel, I can easily imagine a suitcase stuffed with blue jeans, t-shirts, button-downs, and several pairs of shoes, all things of extreme value in a country where people often go hungry and barefoot.
Having made many friends in the weeks they were there, they immediately found folks who received the goods joyously.
“Who wants this shirt? Who needs flip flops?”
Imagine the excitement as they tossed each item across a room crowded with folks who had gathered to see them off.
Her husband left with empty suitcases, but I bet his heart was full.
And imagine how he blessed his own wife and kiddoes.
We only keep what we give away.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
When a young mom gave birth to her first son, she received lots of presents from friends who knew she didn’t have anything for a boy.
One gift stood out, though. Rather than buy a gift, this friend, the mother of two older boys, went to her own sentimental box and gift-wrapped a Baby’s First Christmas bib and a beautiful piece of art from her own nursery.
A few months later, at the crack of dawn, the young mother received a phone call. The friend’s house had burned down in the night.
In the days that followed, it became clear that the only mementos her friend would be able to retrieve, like pictures of her children, were going to be the ones she had given away to grandparents and friends, including a bib and a piece of art from her own nursery.
I know this is a true story because my friend gave me the bib and the art when my son was born.
Recently, a lady told me a story about her husband, which illustrates the truth about hilarious giving.
This family makes regular trips to a beloved third world country, but on their first trip, they were overwhelmed by all the physical needs that go unmet daily in that place.
As they were packing to return home that first time, her husband suddenly flipped over his suitcase and dumped all the contents on the bed.
“We are giving this all away,” he announced with excitement.
Knowing how Americans travel, I can easily imagine a suitcase stuffed with blue jeans, t-shirts, button-downs, and several pairs of shoes, all things of extreme value in a country where people often go hungry and barefoot.
Having made many friends in the weeks they were there, they immediately found folks who received the goods joyously.
“Who wants this shirt? Who needs flip flops?”
Imagine the excitement as they tossed each item across a room crowded with folks who had gathered to see them off.
Her husband left with empty suitcases, but I bet his heart was full.
And imagine how he blessed his own wife and kiddoes.
We only keep what we give away.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Motivating Your Employees (Trustworthy Leadership), Part 2
Motivating your employees can be tough in a suppressed economy, especially when fear is the key economic ingredient from the purveyors of the national news.
So, how do you encourage confidence in your employees, rather than fear?
Folks are basically motivated by four things – stuff, security, significance, and, finally the biggie, a vision combined with a solid relationship with the one in authority. If you missed the first part of this three-part series, you can find it on this paper’s website.
The first three motivators are important and can make a good boss even more effective.
However, a terrific boss creates a vision and secures the trust of his employees.
How?
Creating a vision is simple. Figure out how you are serving your customers. Now put that into one sentence.
In a free market, if you serve people, success will follow. If your employees understand that they are offering something that is worthwhile, they will feel like their days at work are valuable.
Having a solid relationship with your employees can be a little more challenging.
One man I know told me that if people did not treat him right, he would teach them to respect him by force.
He had respect and fear confused.
You earn people’s trust, not by scaring them to death, by being trustworthy.
You earn their respect by being trustworthy for a long period of time.
So, how does trustworthy look?
The trustworthy person does what is hard and sacrificial.
The trustworthy person puts other people’s interests ahead of his own.
He tells the truth. If he doesn’t know how his business will survive in these uncertain times, he keeps his employees posted so they can make wise decisions.
He leads in giving them opportunities to help each other by setting an example when life throws out a curve ball like cancer or family crises.
He doesn’t treat them like dependant children, instead he rejoices at the opportunities they have to gain skills and knowledge.
Most importantly, his employees know that there are certain lines he won’t cross.
Leadership just means creating opportunities for employees to follow their heart.
Serving others, both customers and employees, is the hallmark of successful business owners.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com
So, how do you encourage confidence in your employees, rather than fear?
Folks are basically motivated by four things – stuff, security, significance, and, finally the biggie, a vision combined with a solid relationship with the one in authority. If you missed the first part of this three-part series, you can find it on this paper’s website.
The first three motivators are important and can make a good boss even more effective.
However, a terrific boss creates a vision and secures the trust of his employees.
How?
Creating a vision is simple. Figure out how you are serving your customers. Now put that into one sentence.
In a free market, if you serve people, success will follow. If your employees understand that they are offering something that is worthwhile, they will feel like their days at work are valuable.
Having a solid relationship with your employees can be a little more challenging.
One man I know told me that if people did not treat him right, he would teach them to respect him by force.
He had respect and fear confused.
You earn people’s trust, not by scaring them to death, by being trustworthy.
You earn their respect by being trustworthy for a long period of time.
So, how does trustworthy look?
The trustworthy person does what is hard and sacrificial.
The trustworthy person puts other people’s interests ahead of his own.
He tells the truth. If he doesn’t know how his business will survive in these uncertain times, he keeps his employees posted so they can make wise decisions.
He leads in giving them opportunities to help each other by setting an example when life throws out a curve ball like cancer or family crises.
He doesn’t treat them like dependant children, instead he rejoices at the opportunities they have to gain skills and knowledge.
Most importantly, his employees know that there are certain lines he won’t cross.
Leadership just means creating opportunities for employees to follow their heart.
Serving others, both customers and employees, is the hallmark of successful business owners.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com
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