LESSONS FROM A DELIVERY TRUCK DRIVER
The CEO of 7-Eleven went undercover in his organization to see how some of the local stores operated. One of his undercover assignments put him on the night shift with a delivery truck driver. At 3:00 am, this driver had high morale, was enthusiastic, and full of love for life and his job. As they were driving to make a delivery, the CEO asked him why he was so motivated at this crazy hour. The driver had no idea he was talking to the CEO and his smile ran from ear to ear as he gushed, “Because I am living the American dream!”
The CEO was astonished and said, “I’m sorry, what?”
The driver said, “It’s true. I am living the American dream. I came here from another country with only $50 in my pocket and I did not know a word of English, but I learned. What other country gives you this kind of opportunity to have a job like this that will feed my family and make me happy? America is the most wonderful country in the world and Americans just don’t know how blessed they are. I am so motivated because I am so thankful for this country that has allowed me to survive and be happy.”
What a perspective! This guy was probably not making a ton of money, but he was incredibly appreciative of the job he had because he had perspective in life. He had another frame of reference to compare it to. He didn’t focus on the negative aspect of having to drive around at 3:00 am lifting heavy objects. He focused on the fact that he had a job, he was living in the most prosperous country in the world, and he was putting food on the table. This focus created a love for his job, and this love for the job paid off.
The driver had always dreamed of having his own 7-Eleven franchise but couldn’t because of the financing fee. The CEO of 7-Eleven was so impressed by the driver’s attitude and hard work that he ended up waiving the fee and handing the driver the keys to his own franchised 7-Eleven store.
People want to reward those who love what they do and appreciate their jobs. People want to throw money at those who love what they do! Think about the last waitress or taxi cab driver that showed love and passion for their work and made you feel like they actually appreciated your business. Doesn’t that make you want to overtip people? If it doesn’t, it should.
People get amazed by those who love what they do, especially when the job may be perceived as less than desirable. It’s not the job that brings happiness—it’s the perception of the job. Showing love for what you do inspires people to want to achieve more.
-Excerpt from Kimberly Alyn's book titled How to Inspire People to Achieve More
The CEO was astonished and said, “I’m sorry, what?”
The driver said, “It’s true. I am living the American dream. I came here from another country with only $50 in my pocket and I did not know a word of English, but I learned. What other country gives you this kind of opportunity to have a job like this that will feed my family and make me happy? America is the most wonderful country in the world and Americans just don’t know how blessed they are. I am so motivated because I am so thankful for this country that has allowed me to survive and be happy.”
What a perspective! This guy was probably not making a ton of money, but he was incredibly appreciative of the job he had because he had perspective in life. He had another frame of reference to compare it to. He didn’t focus on the negative aspect of having to drive around at 3:00 am lifting heavy objects. He focused on the fact that he had a job, he was living in the most prosperous country in the world, and he was putting food on the table. This focus created a love for his job, and this love for the job paid off.
The driver had always dreamed of having his own 7-Eleven franchise but couldn’t because of the financing fee. The CEO of 7-Eleven was so impressed by the driver’s attitude and hard work that he ended up waiving the fee and handing the driver the keys to his own franchised 7-Eleven store.
People want to reward those who love what they do and appreciate their jobs. People want to throw money at those who love what they do! Think about the last waitress or taxi cab driver that showed love and passion for their work and made you feel like they actually appreciated your business. Doesn’t that make you want to overtip people? If it doesn’t, it should.
People get amazed by those who love what they do, especially when the job may be perceived as less than desirable. It’s not the job that brings happiness—it’s the perception of the job. Showing love for what you do inspires people to want to achieve more.
-Excerpt from Kimberly Alyn's book titled How to Inspire People to Achieve More
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