My wife doesn’t really enjoy boxing, but she watched many of the Muhammad Ali documentaries. Like millions of people around the world, she appreciates that Ali was much more than a great athlete. Many of the specials did not highlight his boxing achievements; they highlighted the man and what he stood for, an amazing individual who was respected around the world.
One of the items that surfaced on the Internet was “10 Life Lessons From Muhammad Ali.” I hope you take the time to read all 10, but I would like to highlight one in particular that directly addresses how we perform our jobs.
“I would have been the world’s greatest at whatever I did. If I were a garbage man, I’d be the world’s greatest garbage man! I’d pick up more garbage and faster than anyone has ever seen. To tell you the truth, I would have been the greatest at whatever I’d done,” Ali said.
I do, indeed, find it difficult to imagine Ali doing anything poorly. On more than one occasion he admitted that he was embarrassed by his poor academic skills (he was dyslexic), but no one ever questioned his character. After his boxing career was over, Ali expressed his desire to do good in the world. He felt an obligation to give back and help those less fortunate. The man was simply a class act.
My dad often told me that my work was my signature. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my dad took pride in everything he did. He often complained about his job, but he never compromised on his quality. I guess the greatest flattery I can offer my dad is that I would hire him in a minute. I’m not suggesting he never made a mistake, but his commitment to doing his best never wavered, no matter the task.
I was intrigued by Ali’s reference that he would have been the world’s greatest garbage man if that was his lot in life. Jobs in the service industry are growing and the better paying manufacturing jobs have disappeared. Millions of people are working in jobs below their skill levels and it is frustrating to be “underemployed.”
Let’s get real — it stinks to be underemployed in some boring job that doesn’t offer you the opportunity to excel or use your talents. I think Ali believes a strong work ethic is an intrinsic value. We work hard because the quality of our work reflects who we are. I know I won’t get a bonus or a raise, but I work hard because I want to look in the mirror at the end of the day and be proud of what I did.
I was in a Dunkin’ Donuts this week and the cashier was a little slow in taking orders. I was the second person in line and an employee behind the counter shouted; “What can I get for you?” It’s been my experience that nine out of 10 employees would simply stand there doing nothing until the cashier took my order, but that day was different. This person took the initiative to keep things moving and everyone in line was pleased he took the initiative to help us. I went out of my way to compliment the man, and he smiled when I thanked him for excellent service.
It’s been my experience that employees with a strong work ethic will eventually be recognized and promoted before the individuals who do the minimum required. I know the low wage you receive is not an incentive to work beyond what’s required, but I hope you do a good job because it is not in your nature to do things poorly.
In my heart I really believe a more positive attitude is going to help you be more successful. You never know who or when, but someone who can influence your future will recognize your character traits that make you a great employee.
More from Muhammad Ali: “I hated every minute of training, but I said ‘Don’t quit, suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’”
Bill Kaminski is president of Stone Associates Training. He is an HR consultant with 35 years of experience in the employment field, teaching managers the art of hiring great employees. Bill is also an adjunct instructor at Keuka College. You can contact Bill with questions, suggestions or comments at www.bill@stoneassociatestraining.com
