Do as I Say, AND as I Do

Ever hear the expression, “do as I say, not as I do?”

Well, as in most cases, that’s a pretty stupid way to go. Let’s look at an example…

I went to my local library the other day (which I love) hoping to find some material to broaden my mind – or at least a good novel to get lost in. As I perused the new releases, I noticed an interesting thing: it was quite loud.

I had always assumed the library was supposed to be quiet, like a morgue, or an audience at a John Cage Concert. This day the library sounded more like a coffee shop or small cocktail party. I could hear at least three distinct conversations echoing through the large room.

I was confused. Why hadn’t the staff quieted these warblers? I looked up to see who these vociferous windbags were…

Yup, you guessed it: Library staff members were involved in all three of the conversations!

*Sigh*

Two of the conversations were between staff and customers (is “customer” the right word when it comes to people who use a library? What’s a better word? Patron? Client? Frugal reader?). The other was between two staff members behind the counter.

What the heck?!? Is it just me? Does no one else believe that:

1. Libraries should be quiet? And …
2. Employees should follow the rules they set for others?

Maybe I’m wrong, and libraries are no longer a place of relative silence. But if I’m not (and I don’t think I am), shouldn’t the people who work there be setting an example, not violating the rule?

Sadly, you see this kind of hypocrisy all the time:

• Rules and admonishments that the environment should be quiet, but the employees are the ones making the noise.
• A posted sign says, “No food or drink,” but the owner often eats openly in front of everyone.
• Offices that penalize you for being late but are always running behind schedule.
• A company with a strict “no personal calls” policy – except, of course, when the boss needs to make one
• And on and on

If you’re the one in charge, be it as an owner, manager, or employee, it’s easy to look at the rules and say, “eh, these don’t apply to me.” But if you want happy customers, content employees, and a growing business, you should rethink that mindset.

(For the employees, you might be saying, “why should they care, they’re not in charge?” To which I respond, “Yes, and with that kind of attitude they never will be.”)

If you are a leader, or aspire to be one someday, set an example, lead from the front, and stop being a hypocrite. Your customers, workers, and bottom line will thank you.

Are you planning an event and looking for a great speaker to add humor and energy? Then visit Avish’s Motivational Humorist page now!

About

By Avish Parashar. As the world's only Motivational Improviser, Avish uses techniques from the world of improv comedy to engage, entertain, and educate audiences on ideas around change, creativity, and motivation. Connect with Avish on Google+

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