Find the Dignity of Your Position (Whatever It Is)
We talk a lot about advancement. Getting raises. Snagging promotions. Climbing the corporate ladder—and how to dominate once you reach the top. All crucially important topics. But today I want to discuss the other side of the coin—how to make the most of where you are right now.
Years ago, when I worked in New York City, I was looking for office space in Soho. I checked out lots of buildings and saw nothing spectacular. Then I arrived at this one building that made a lasting impression. Its office space was nothing unique, but its freight elevator really stood out.
The man who ran this freight elevator decorated it from top to bottom. He laid down red carpeting on the floor. He kept everything spotlessly clean and perfectly manicured. And, most strikingly, he covered the elevator’s walls and ceiling with photographs. Pictures of his family. Pictures of incredible destinations from around the world. Pictures that weren’t exotic or personal, but which were simply beautiful. The man who ran this freight elevator took a humble space—and what most of us would consider an unenviable job— and turned both into something special.
This man wasn’t angling for a promotion when he laid down that red carpet. He wasn’t shuffling through his professional obligations with one eye on finding an escape route to his next position. He performed his duty with the same pride, dignity, and sense of care as you or I would treat a C-level appointment. And we can all learn something from him…
Work isn’t always about advancement.
Sometimes work is about being the best you can be in your current position, no matter what that position may be. And, here’s the kicker, it’s also about making sure everyone you meet knows it and fully respects you for it. By going the extra mile and externalizing his commitment, that freight elevator operator commanded the respect of everyone who rode with him.
So today I invite you to take 15 minutes to take a little extra care with where you sit and what you do. Like this freight elevator operator, you can spruce up your working environment a bit. Or maybe you can resist the casual-culture urge tomorrow and dress a little more formally. Or perhaps you can just take a little extra care with a visible element of your job that has no direct connection to your bonus or potential for advancement.
Whatever it is: remind yourself today that what you do matters. (And don’t be surprised if others suddenly remember the same thing.)
