Where do we get our inspiration from as far as our work ethic is concerned?
My earliest influence was definitely my late beloved Dad who always told me we get nothing for nothing. That is why I think my work ethic is so important to me.
When I started work in 1969 the boss of the Hospital was God as far as I was concerned. I was 16 and he was probably about 60. It felt to me like he just knew everything there was to know about how to run a hospital.
Now of course almost 40 years later I realise he was important but not actually God. Nevertheless those early influences are still with me in my work.
As I moved on in my career other people influenced my thinking and I came to realise there was such a thing as challenging the boss. The boss was not necessarily always right. But he/she was always the boss. Therefore I adopted a style that challenged the boss but I remembered that ultimately I had to support the boss.
Then I began to read about management and leadership and formed my own views through a mixture of practical experience and management theory – largely the former I have to say.
Nowadays I guess I like to spend my time reflecting on what I have learned and who I have learned from.
Where have your influences come from?
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I probably got my work ethic by example, it simply infused my midwestern (US), conservative, lutheran community and family. That said, my work habits often recall a deceptively simple direction from my mother. Our cellar/basement was a collecting point for everything we didn't have another place for, yet couldn't yet donate or discard. About once a year my brothers and sister and I would be assigned the heinous task of (loud Wagnerian music please) cleaning the basement. On one of these instances, about the age of 10 or 12 as I recall, it seemed more than I could bear, and with my frustration welling in my eyes and threatening to roll down my cheeks, I rather rudely told my mom that I just could not bear the thought of starting, much less completing, such a large and unpleasant task. Calmly she said, "See that bent jar lid under the stairs? Pick it up and do something with it. Then find something else, just one thing, and do the same..."
This is a great topic. I get most of my work ethic from my family. My mother and father had a very aggressive work ethic. Their personalities were a reflection of their work ethics. They worked hard and often played just as hard. They believed in delivering more than you expected when it came to work and they believed in having a good time. This ethic spiledover to all 5 of us kids. I learned a lot from my siblings as well. All are very hard workers and self made. There were many other influences. Teachers, coaches,co workers, bosses and subordinates.I picked up many pieces from many people. I think some of the best lessons came from the worst of times. That is when a person's true ethic and character shine forth. Maybe the best lesson is that the crisis is often the opportunity.
Steve - What a fabulous story - thanks so much for sharing that. I have clear picture in my mind from your words - brilliant! It reminds me very much of the days as kid on a Saturday morning when my Dad would tell me that the coal shed needed tidying. These seemingly mundane jobs I found hard to understand as a kid but I’m sure they helped me later in life.
Rocky – for you and me the work ethic is hugely influenced by our upbringing, our family and particularly our parents as role models. You make the point that we are influenced too by the people we meet in our journey of life at work. I have been influenced through the people I have met through Blogging as well – that is a new dimension of course in the last few years and I hope to carry on learning from people like you and Steve who provide such excellent feedback!
Books and people - as always.
Books that mostly influenced me are "Loosing my virginity" by Richard Branson and "Purlpe Cow" by Seth Godin. Also "The art of system thinking" by Connor and one other author.
As for the people - my parents, my girlfriend, my colleague Bayram - they influence me much.
Thanks for looking in on Simplicity Blog again Dmitry - I hope things are well with you in Moscow - must be pretty cold right now I guess :-)
I get my influence from my higher self, from my connection to unity consciousness, from search for the truth, from the wisdom of my heart, from inspired teachers and writers, and from living in the moment.
I have explored and sought awareness to free myself of the limiting beliefs others have passed my way and now walk a spiritual path free of religion.
There is in each of us the collection of human history, understanding and consciousness.
Joseph
www.ExploreLifeBlog.com
Thank you very much Joseph for calling by at Simplicity Blog. That is a comprehensive list of influences and it covers both internal and external influences. I guess many of us overlook the internal influences and the search for our own destiny. I certainly feel as I have got older that my own experience of living a life has helped me form my own views. I still however feel that I learn equally as much, if not more, by interactions with many diverse people I meet of all ages, nationalities, cultures and faiths.
As a Christian the greatest influence on me of course is God but I quite understand that some people do not wish to have God as an influence in their life and that is fine. God will never pressure people to believe.
A fascinating comment Joseph – thank you again.
Hi Trevor, I have been thinking of God lately alot. I just completed a novel about God coming back to set the record straight. I have frankly been less than impressed with most religions and their leaders but find a strong call to explore my own spirit and my connection to the creative source of the universe, whomever or whatever that is.
Have a good Sunday,
Joseph
Hi Trevor, I have been thinking of God lately alot. I just completed a novel about God coming back to set the record straight. I have frankly been less than impressed with most religions and their leaders but find a strong call to explore my own spirit and my connection to the creative source of the universe, whomever or whatever that is.
Have a good Sunday,
Joseph
Thanks Joseph - I think we all need to be at ease with our beliefs. God never puts pressure on us – it is up to each of us to discover our own faith – whatever that happens to be. As far as I am concerned Christianity is not about leaders – it is simply and only about a personal and individual relationship with God.
I hope you are having a great Sunday too – ours is almost over as we approach 9.45 pm.
Best wishes
Trevor
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