by Linda Argue

Created on: October 09, 2009   Last Updated: October 10, 2009

In this world where everything is about getting more or getting to the top somehow we have forgotten about good manners and proper etiquette. We go on our way, forgetting that everything we do reflects on us and ultimately our company. My father use to say if you take care of your job, it will take care of you. It has never been more clear that this is true in this time of job closing and layoffs.

I work in a liquor store with five other employees. This is a setting ripe for drama and we had plenty of it. My boss and his wife were having marital problems and all of us girls knew it. One of the girls I work with managed to get her daughters hired and when my daughter was hired, she complained constantly. I hated her and tried to make as much trouble as I could for her. I ended up in trouble and seriously thought about leaving my job even though I loved it.

I realized that while I couldn't change anyone else, I could change my own attitude. It started with me thanking my co-workers. I made it my job to include them in my decisions, asking their opinion and remembering to thank them when they helped me. I made sure that they knew about the new products that we received and instituted celebrating birthdays.

The one thing I didn't do was run to the boss and tell him what the other girls had done wrong. I don't discuss his marriage, I discuss business with him or tell him funny stories about things our customers have done. When mistakes are made I do talk to the girls but usually I remind them that I also have made these mistakes too.

The end of the story is that we all remain at the liquor store and now we enjoy our jobs. I feel that we are all close and can discuss any problem with each other. Our customers feel it also as they tell us constantly that they love coming into the store because we're so much fun.

It's funny how my fathers words have rung true. My job will continue to take care of me because I take very good care of my job and my co-workers. It's good to know one person can change the attitude of a workplace just by changing their attitude.

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