After a twenty year career in the restaurant, retail and finance industry I have learned a lot about varying work ethics. In some of my positions I have supervised as many as 350 people indirectly. I used to be cynical about the “new generation” of American workers. In my experience the younger generation has been less than impressive in their work ethic. I often found myself becoming impatient and frustrated with people who felt entitled to more money or less demanding positions. I blamed it on the lessons they learned at home. You see, my parents were both cotton mill workers. They were hard core blue collar. Everything they earned was achieved with great physical sacrifice. When I got my first job, both my parents told me they never wanted to hear me complain. There was no such thing as laying out of work, or trying to come home early. Once I entered the workforce, I was expected to embrace every task diligently. Back then, your work record was just as important as your credit. I have made the comment to many un-ambitious employees that they needed to return home to Mama and Daddy if they wanted coddling and empathy. Maybe that’s a little harsh???
For the most part society in general needs a swift kick in rear. Regardless of the socialistic direction our government is in danger of taking, we cannot depend on others to provide for us, we must create our own opportunities and seize them using the talents God has bestowed on us. After several years of functioning as an anti-youth manager, I have had those stereotypes handed back to me, sliced and diced by one of the most promising leaders of tomorrow I have ever encountered. This is her story….
Brandi didn’t always know the world was her oyster. As a child of divorce and therefore changing homes about as often as birds fly south, Brandi endured a lot of self esteem issues as a little girl. She once told me that there was a time she had no self-worth and no direction. She felt like she was a burden to both her parents, who constantly passed her back and forth. Brandi’s parents were not evil people, and certainly they didn’t mean to cause harm to their daughter, but alcoholism, drug abuse, and a revolving door of new mates for her parents just compounded the instability she had to face. When people have a hard time supporting themselves, and a child, the pressure can lead to situations unbearable for everyone involved. Brandi became a victim of just about every abuse you can imagine. Since I have known her and she has confided in me as a mentor, I shudder to think that any young person should or could ever survive such circumstances. Let me tell you, she did more than survive.
Not only did Brandi graduate from high school, join the military, marry and become a mother, but she also built an incredible reputation as a formidable businesswoman. Did I mention she is only 23? This intelligent young woman has changed my view about the younger generation and motivated me to recommit myself to developing others as a leader. She has taught me that those of us who are nearing our 40s and have career experience to share with struggling young people, need to improve our “situational leadership” skills. The Bible gives us the ultimate advice about not judging others, and I have certainly learned to rethink my approach in making assumptions about where people get their work ethic. Brandi may not have had the best childhood, but deep inside her is a champion. She is an example of self-responsibility. She doesn’t rely on anyone else to create an opportunity for her. She knows how to make it happen. In my opinion, Brandi is an exceptional example to her generation. She is proof that no matter where you come from, or what you have been through, as long as God is your steward, everything is possible. It takes a special person to focus on where they are going rather than dwell on where they have been. How can we get this message out to all Americans? Don’t blame the past on your present situation.
When we open our hearts and minds and for the Lord to do his work, we grow in every aspect of Christianity. I like admitting I have been wrong, especially when it makes me a better person.
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