Dave Says Be Grateful

Townhall.com ^ | May 22, 2012 | Dave Ramsey

[Kaslin]

Dear Dave,

I own a small business, and I try to treat my staff very well. How can I keep them from taking things for granted or not appreciating them at all?

Jody

Dear Jody,

I’m like anyone else. If I spend a lot of money, or do something big, and it doesn’t have an impact or people aren’t grateful, it hurts my feelings. In those kinds of situations, as a business owner or just a regular guy, I’d rather keep my money and not get my feelings hurt. I don’t whine if things like that don’t work out as expected. But I do sometimes teach on the attribute of gratefulness in team meetings.

We’ve tried hard to make this company a great place to work. We do things that lots of other organizations don’t, so expecting a little appreciation isn’t out of line. We buy lunch for our entire team a few times each month, and we also have a great profit sharing plan, among other things. When something like this is coming up we make a big, fun deal out of it, so that it doesn’t become routine. If it ever gets to the point where these things are taken for granted, then we’ll stop doing them and put the money somewhere else.

To me, ungratefulness is one of the worst character traits. If you think this attitude is becoming a problem, just talk to your team straight up about the situation. There’s no need to call anyone out personally, but make your feelings very clear. It’s your job as a leader to give your people a great work environment. And if you’re a member of someone’s team, and you appreciate what your leaders do, you should act like it!

—Dave

Dear Dave,

I’m not a business owner or in management where I work, but your EntreLeadership book was inspiring. Do you have any advice for how I can influence upper management at my company?

Amy

Dear Amy,

Here are a couple of ideas you could try. I’m never insulted when someone brings me a book they love on leadership. My team knows I’m always reading and learning, and I just look at instances like that as another opportunity to learn something new.

The second thing would be for you to take whatever has inspired you and put it to use in the areas of your job, and your life, that you can control. People notice that kind of stuff on the job. It makes you stand out from the crowd, and if folks ask you about it, you’ll have a chance to teach them what you’ve learned. You could end up being a virus that infects the entire company in a very good way!

—Dave

Dear Dave,

I have a young employee who’s struggling financially. I don’t really see him outside work, but I’d like to introduce him to your plan because it helped me. As his boss, would it be inappropriate to approach him about this and try to help?

Les

Dear Les,

My advice is to look at it this way. If you were in his shoes, would you want someone to care enough to try and help you? I think we both know the answer to that, but you have to be sure you approach this young man the right way.

If you come in as Mr. Know-It-All, you’re probably going to turn him off immediately. Just be genuine, and don’t get too deep into his business. Maybe you could share a book with him, and let him know about some of the problems you had before. It could just be a friendly gesture, and make sure he understands it’s not something you’re requiring of him as his boss. Then, if a wall goes up, you just back off. Just because he doesn’t jump at the idea immediately doesn’t mean a seed won’t take root.

Leaders in business who care about their team are real leaders. So, congratulations, Les. In my book, you’re a real leader!

—Dave

[gattaca]

Good advice as always from Dave.

[yldstrk]

I wish I worked

actually I am pretty lucky where I work

[Altariel]

Dave Ramsey ping!

[CSM]

The second bit of advice is spot on! I can personally attest that boss’ do notice when you start “doing things right.” It will bleed from your persoal life (finances) to your professional life.

I’ve been working on TTMM for just over 5 years and my very large corporate employer had major struggles from about 2004-2011.5, to the point of there were times that I would have friends let go and walked out almost weekly. The goodbye happy hours were so frequent that I’m surprised we didn’t create a whole new generation of alcoholics!

I started Dave’s plan and noticed that my personal attitude was starting to change and that it bled over in to my professoinal life, as well as spiritual, advisorial (sp?) and many other areas. My Managers noticed too! While we were cutting, I received a promotion and have been getting additional responsibilities and opportunities for growth on a regular basis.

EntreLeadership is a book that is worth reading and applying in any way that you can. If you do purchase it, I would suggest getting 2 copies. One for you to keep “clean” and the other for you to mark up, highlight and bunny ear pages! I even gave one to my department’s Executive Director. So far he seems appreciative, so I don’t think he took it negatively.... ;-)

Thanks Altariel for the ping.

Dave Ramsey Fan Ping List.

If you would like to be added to the “Live like no one else, so that you can LIVE like no one else” list, feel free to Freepmail me.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

I love my job beyond all reason. It is absolutely PERFECT for me. But, I also realize that life can change in a heartbeat, so I try to keep an attitude of gratitude.

The last Shareholders Meeting we had was in November. The Big Boss buys us dinner at a local Country Club, then we listen to a talk from our investment guys who tell us their predictions for the coming year.

I’ve attended twice now, and after each dinner, I sought out the owner and personally thanked him for my job, my wonderful work environment, awesome support, a fun team and for the delicious dinner (and Martini!) he just paid for.

I’m not sucking up; I’m showing GRATITUDE for all this man does for me. This company has been in business for nearly 110 years now - and with good reason!

And guess what? I’m in line to manage his flagship store after only 5 years with the company. Go figure! *SMIRK*

Seriously? Hard work, education, showing up on time, going above and beyond what is asked of you and simple GRATITUDE for what you’re given works miracles. More people should try it! :)

*Steps Off Soapbox*

[Diana in Wisconsin]

You and I have got the World on a String, Baby! :)

[CSM]

Yep. It is amazing what the right attitude and hard work will bring yer way! I’ve actually had people tell me that I am “lucky” to be consumer debt free and almost (11 more months max) mortgage debt free. Luck my patootie, it has been a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Those same people then go buy a brand new car and can’t figure out what is going wrong.

I say to all those eeyores out there, if you aren’t happy where you are then look in the mirror! You’ll see the person that needs to make some changes.

;-)

Glad to see you are doing well. Keep it up and be proud!