We have become so focused on the almighty dollar, I think we forget how much some folks do in boosting moral and actually caring for the folks they are in charge of. Personally, this is something I hope I can always keep in perspective. From the early days as the Fire Chief, to later days as a supervisor and manager, I always have held the philosophy that I would never ask someone to do something I was not willing to do myself. When I was subbing in the schools, I saw this on a day in and day out basis of teachers who were tremendous mentors of the next generation, giving selfishly of themselves and connecting with students like none other. I think we all can relate to this. We all have one or two favorite teachers from our pasts that hold a special place in our lives.
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| Fairgrounds at Alaska State Fair |
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| Bobcat Stadium |
So why in a day when the majority of society is living paycheck to paycheck, do we work so hard to minimize the importance and uniqueness we each bring to the table? As many of you know, and that is how we became friends, I worked for a company doing staffing at events
in the Billings, Wyoming and Alaska area part time. I started doing this on a whim for a friend who was short
staff one year for the N.I.LE.. I said "no" I can't even remember how many times before I finally agreed to help out. Needless to say a little over three years later that one time event became a part time position that had taken me places, allowed me to see entertainers I would have never imagined or spent money on, but there was more to it. I liked who I was working for, and I liked who I worked with. We became a little family. Just like my days on the Fire Department, we learned who we could count on when we needed help. This was not only while we were working an event, but in everyday life. The long hours and days involved in working some of the events all paid off knowing we had done a good job. Not only was the person we worked for appreciative, we knew the client was also satisfied.
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| The Midway at one of the fairs |
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| Kenny Rogers Performing at Alaska State Fair |
Things changed the first of December last year, and new management was brought in. I was included in this, at first but realized I could not fill the shoes of the person I was asked to. Let alone the fun was gone. It now was just a job, and my family was still fractured. As much as I was relying on the income from this job, I knew it was not worth the headaches and stepped away. Looking back it was the best decision I could have made. As I look from the outside in now, I see a crumbling empire failing. Yes the corporation is bigger than one person, but the loyalty was to a person we cared for and considered a friend not the corporate headpiece a thousand miles away.
I think this is just another example of how little of an impact we place on having the right person in charge. I think many overlook the human factor as they choose someone to manage or supervise within their organization. The right person can make or break it, and replacing someone can have long term consequences that far outweigh any small issue that might lead in replacing key management. We are all human, and want to feel like we belong and are part of something we believe in and are proud of. There must be a personal connection.
So yes everyone can be replaced, however no ONE is replaceable!
