Lessons in Attitude

Lessons in Attitude A butcher watching over his shop is really surprised when he saw a dog coming inside the shop.  He shoos him away. But later, the dog is back again.  So, he goes over to the dog and notices he has a note in his mouth. He takes the note and it reads "Can I have twelve sausages and a leg of lamb, please. The dog has money in his mouth, as well."  The butcher looks inside and, lo and behold; there is a ten-dollar note there. So he takes the money and puts the sausages and lamb in a bag, placing it in the dog's mouth. The butcher is so impressed, and since it's about closing time, he decides to shut up shop and follow the dog. So off he goes. The dog is walking down the street when he comes to a level crossing.  The dog puts down the bag, jumps up and presses the button.  Then he waits patiently, bag in mouth, for the lights to turn.  They do, and he walks across the road, with the butcher following him all the way.  The dog then comes to a bus stop, and starts looking at the timetable. The butcher is in awe at this stage. The dog checks out the times, and then sits on one of the seats provided. Along comes a bus. The dog walks around to the front, looks at the number, and goes back to his seat.  Another bus comes.  Again the dog goes and looks at the number, notices it's the right bus, and climbs on. The butcher, by now, open-mouthed, follows him onto the bus. The bus travels through the town and out into the suburbs, the dog looking at the scenery. Eventually he gets up, and moves to the front of the bus.  He stands on two back paws and pushes the button to stop the bus.  Then he gets off; his groceries still in his mouth. Well, dog and butcher are walking along the road, and then the dog turns into a house.  He walks up the path, and drops the groceries on the step.  Then he walks back down the path, takes a big run, and throws himself against the door.  He goes back down the path, runs up to the door and again, it throws himself against it.  There's no answer at the house, so the dog goes back down the path, jumps up on a narrow wall, and walks along the perimeter of the garden. He gets to the window, and beats his head against it several times, walks back, jumps off, and waits at the door. The butcher watches as a big guy opens the door, and starts abusing the dog, kicking him and punching him, and swearing at him. The butcher runs up, and stops the guy. "What in heaven's name are you doing? The dog is a genius. He could be on TV, for the life of me!" to which the guy responds: "You call this clever?  This is the second time this week that this stupid dog's forgotten his key."     Reflection.... Looks like some people will never be satisfied with what they've got. When it comes to the work place, dissatisfaction can be seen at both ends.  Employers do not know how to appreciate their people who have served them loyally through the years and employees who do not know how to appreciate the goodness and opportunities given them by their companies. Both is unhealthy either way you look at it. I've seen companies lose good people for the simple fact their leaders failed to show appreciation. Some managers and supervisors with big egos enjoy the fact that they have more power and authority than others do.  They show, in the way they give orders and directions, that they think they are superior to the people in their charge. They get a kick out of displaying this superiority. People who do this are fools, and everyone but them knows it.  They are never satisfied because they could not be satisfied even if their people perform well.   Why?  Because of their stupid pride and insecurity.   Some employees, on the other hand, seem to constantly cultivate the habit of seeing the grass as greener on the other side.  They fail to appreciate the opportunities and the learning experience they are currently receiving. They want higher pay, higher perks and higher positions with absolutely no respect for proper sense and timing.  People of this kind will never be satisfied. You know why?  Because they are so busy wrapped up in themselves and, fact is, their self can never be satisfied. Happy and productive people are always those who are "others-centered" rather than  "self-centered."   The greatest leader is not someone who throws his weight around. Rather, he is a servant. As the bible would say, "He who wishes to be a leader should first be a servant."   Happy and productive people are also those who deliver their best. Their joy is derived from delivering a job that is done well.  They know that others benefit from their contribution and when the company progresses, then everybody else gains. Make it your business to be satisfied, not with the material things you can get nor through the people you can boss around but by the greatness you can reach by being a fulfilled and caring person. The really great person is the person who makes every person feel great. Aim for service, not success, and success will follow.