Awesome

 

A placard in my neighborhood asks the question, "Are You Awesome?" As I drive by it I ask myself, "Am I Awesome?" Hmm....Um....it depends on the factors involved with the question. Most likely, I would have to say, "Not so much." I wasn't raised to believe I was awesome and if I thought I was awesome I certainly wouldn't be allowed to state such a self-assessment in public. Pride goeth before a fall. 

The placard is really asking folks to consider applying for a job with our local school district's after school programs. I guess the usual "Help Wanted" signs aren't exciting enough anymore. That being said, I wonder whether I would want to hire someone who thought they were awesome. Here is a list of characteristics I would rather see in a new employee.

1) Are You Humble?--This doesn't refer to someone who is afraid of their own shadow. Certainly, we all need a bit of hubris to advocate for ourselves when we are searching for jobs. However, I find it much easier to work with a humble colleague than a cocky-can-do-no-wrong individual. Most work places require far more worker bees than queen bees.

2) Are You Honest?--Nothing disrupts a work environment more than dishonesty. Trust is broken and the individual in question will risk never being given credibility and co-workers will slowly start distancing themselves from said individual. Being honest is a better habit in the long run and your employer will take notice. 

3) Are You Kind?--The power of kindness can neutralize even the most difficult situations. So often our work time is consumed by challenging tasks and a certain amount of tedium. A kind word, a thank-you note, a favorite treat or a scraped windshield in the dead of winter can be just the encouraging moment many of us need when we are weary. I am forever grateful to the many kind colleagues I was blessed with over the years. 

4) Are You Responsible?--This is a biggie. I have little patience for those who don't follow through with given responsibilities. Every time the ball is dropped for a task, someone else has to add more to their workload. Bad math, for sure. If you are unable to hold up your end of the bargain, be mature enough to ask for help and work toward a solution. 

5) Are You Prompt?--Tardiness without a valid reason is rude. A tardy person sends a message that their time is more important than everyone else involved. My mother always set our main clock ahead so we always had a sense of urgency with our time. Of course, we knew that the clock was not accurate but the message was received. No dilly-dallying and get yourself out the door, pronto. 

I don't think any of my questions would make for a very catchy job-hiring placard. And I do really hope the school district can fill all their open positions. That alone would be really awesome.