I was traveling with my family recently down the highway and we passed a septic tank truck. Whenever the kids see one of these on the road they let out a loud ewwwwwwwww or grosssssssss. Most times the truck’s exterior is dirty, and is filled with…….well, you know what it’s filled with. As we cruised along down the road the other day I was surprised to see how clean and really nice looking this particular septic tank truck was. It had a sharp purple color, the lettering was nice, and it was sparkling clean. It looked brand new, or fresh out of the carwash. You can tell that this company really takes time and effort to care and keep their equipment clean. I was impressed by this.
This also got me thinking about working in a dirty business and yet keeping it clean. How can you have and do both? Is it possible that you can be in a dirty business, yet have a clean truck? Is it possible that you can work in a very busy environment, yet be relaxed? Is it possible that you can work in a high-stakes high-stress environment, yet keep your composure? I think the answer to all of these questions is yes. You might have to operate a little differently and do some things out of the norm, but I do think it is absolutely possible.
Clearly this sewage company:
* Makes the extra time and effort to clean their equipment.
* Made it a priority to have the truck clean
* Thinks about perception and what people think when they see their business signs and truck pull up to their homes and work.
* Made a decision about this is how we are going to be.
I think all of these aspects of our work is important regardless of your business. Keep shining through the difficult times in your business. Keep leading, keep learning, and keep surviving and thriving! If I can help you in any way don’t hesitate to reach out at @andrewmarotta21 (https://twitter.com/andrewmarotta21) on Twitter!
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#LeadershipSparks: The Candle Story
Quote: “The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already.”
John Buchan
