~ Lee J. Colan
Keen observation is a brilliant skill to have in the work place. It provides you an opportunity to glean things about people that set them apart and that sometimes show you who is serious about their job, who takes their job too seriously and all those in between.
I've been at my new job for over a month now and while the beginning was extremely stressful as I was finding my own feet, I have been able to fulfil the role successfully. Sure there have been some things that I didn't understand or that I wasn't familiar with, but I am a fast learner and I've been WILLING to push myself to stay on top of the job by asking questions, clarifying things and doing a little bit extra where others need help.
A few days ago we had an issue with our internet and a technician had to be called in to have a look at the server and diagnose the problem. This meant that nobody had internet or WIFI, the phone lines were also dead as they run on an internet connection for the switchboard. I went downstairs to go to the bathroom and was quite taken aback by the fact that all of the staff that work downstairs in the operations department and man the services help desk were sitting on the visitor's lounge couches goofing off.
I wasn't going to say anything as it wasn't my place, but I thought to myself "Any excuse to not have to work" and went back upstairs to carry on. You see, I'm not that kind of employee. I tend to be a little bit more prepared than most and I carry a mobile router with me everywhere with a battery life of approximately five hours. This meant that I was able to continue working while others chose to take advantage of the company's internet outage.
This is the kind of thing that sets average people apart from those who are a little bit more diligent, dedicated and serious about their responsibilities. Even if I wasn't able to continue working online, I would have spent the time working on offline projects, updating spreadsheets or tidying the office. There would have been any number of things to work on before I ran out of things to do to the point where I could sit on a couch and lounge around without conscience. I suppose I'm just a different type of worker to those I mentioned above - because I CHOOSE to be. I've worked in many different environments, situations and with various kinds of people and yet, my work ethic has never really changed. I think I like it this way as well. I get shit done. Efficiently. Effectively. With precision and attention to detail.
What will the difference possibly mean? My contract might be extended, theirs might not. Time will tell.
All images are my own unless otherwise stated
