For years, I’ve made a practice of never going through security at an airport without saying “thank you” to the security staff. I always include the comment, “I appreciate you protecting me from the ‘bad guys.'” Then with a smile I add, “And the bad girls.”
Most of them laugh and express with at least a smile and a nod that they appreciate the recognition. On occasion, one will say, “Well, I wish everybody felt that way about what we do.” I understand that comment because I’ve seen adult men and women express anger and frustration because the security people have the audacity to make them empty their pockets and go back through the metal detector.
As I walked through the scanner one day, in addition to my usual comments, I asked the young man who waited for me on the other side of the detector, “Well, how ya’ doin’?”
He said: “Not so good. I just absolutely hate this job.”
I said to him, “Well, you know, with circumstances like they are in Dallas, I suspect there are a few hundred people walking the streets who would love to have your job.”
The young man did an abrupt shake of his head and said, “You know, I never thought about it like that.” I said, “Well, if eating is important to you, I encourage you to think about it.” He smiled and said he would. I have no idea whether there was any significant change in the young man or not, but I do know that if several other people came along and said the same thing, there would be a change.
Think about it. Analyze the things you do like about your job, and let that reflect in your attitude — and I’ll see you at the top!
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