June 22, 2011
“From Vine to Mouth – Responsibilities and Privileges”
by Grace Whalen
Recently I began reviewing our company’s foundations and core values through a series of emails to the employees on our First Impression Team (FIT); our front desk staff and switchboard operators who greet and speak with our clients, employees, and applicants daily. Although a few of them are newer to Landrum than their fellow FIT team member, the friendly reminders can be educational and always refreshing and motivating for everyone. Right?
I first addressed “Responsible Behavior” by sharing a poem written by one of my heroes, Mattie Stepanek, an American child poet, peace advocate and bestselling author.
“Every privilege comes with a responsibility. Sounds tough.
Every responsibility comes with a privilege. Sounds durable.”
Mattie wrote that when he was 8 years old. When I was 8 years old, I was living the concept. As a child, I enjoyed picking deep red tomatoes from their vines and eating them right in the garden! Vine to mouth…what a wonderful privilege it was to be able to do that. But, in order to enjoy that privilege, I had to take on the responsibility of weeding in between the bountiful plants under the hot summer sun every day and watering them during long dry spells.
“Responsibility is the price of greatness” Winston Churchill
In the workplace and in life, in order to truly merit the privileges offered, you must be responsible in your behavior, your daily habits, your thoughts and actions. You must be answerable to your decisions and accountable for your actions. Being reliable and dependable are critical factors, as well. Our clients depend on our sense of responsibility to them and their employees. We understand that any actions we take that are not in our clients’ best interest can damage not only our reputation, but theirs, as well. Our applicants trust us to be responsible when getting them set up in our system and ultimately find them meaningful employment. They expect us to complete such forms as the I-9s and the W-4s according to mandated guidelines, and not place anyone, including our company, in a bad position by breaking the rules or making errors. Being responsible means doing things the right way, “even when no one is watching.” It involves self-control and self-respect.
Think about everything you do today so that doing it right today becomes a natural response/action tomorrow.
I hope to share more about the foundations that Landrum has adopted to serve not only in our workplace but benefit all of us in everyday life. Share a story about your own company foundations in the comment section. I will look forward to the conversation. Grace
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As Drug Free Workplace Coordinator, Grace oversees the Drug Free Workplace compliance for all Landrum Human Resources clients. She has been with Landrum for 18 years and has performed thousands of employee and applicant drug tests. Grace is responsible for maintaining and documenting all drug tests results and works closely with the Landrum HR Managers to reconcile any Drug Free Workplace related issues.
Grace earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing from Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, New York. She spent 15 years as a volunteer in several facets of the public educational system.
Grace is a gifted writer who artistically blends her creativity and wit into very entertaining articles and poems. She enjoys cooking and is an exceptionally talented baker.
