The lights seemed brighter. He rushed to close the door before the freezing air could catch him. The same wooden walls and concrete floors greeted him. This wasn’t running on a wheel, this was an ever-changing maze. You escaped it every day and chose to come back the next. The rows and isles were about the only things that ever changed.
“Karl, we gotta talk numbers.” Fransisco looked younger than he was. He still died his hair and all that crap. Karl looked at the ground, no one wanted to be here. Some got a better job, others were trying.
“I guess.” Karl wondered what he did to earn this. The office was so out of place it hurt. Lots of pictures, fishing poles on the walls, and a candy dish. There were a pair of singing basses mounted on the wall.
“Karl, your attendance is excellent, but I have a problem.” Fransico began his spiel. Karl wasn’t sure how much he cared. Quitting would cut this meeting short.
Fransisco turned through the pages looking at each one. “No, I mean this review itself.” He grabbed both sides and ripped vigorously, tearing the pages into shreds. He threw them into the trash can, a few bounced back out. The smirk on Karl’s face was worth it. “I am failing you as a boss. I need to keep my best people around.” Fransisco trailed off.
Karl was shocked. Was Fransisco quitting? He was one of the old lifers. Who even could replace him. Karl sure didn’t want it. This was becoming the most interesting day here so far. Karl kept up his strong silent game, now unsure of what to say.
“I am going to the lake of the Ozarks soon. That’s what keeps me coming here, the vacation time. I don’t think I asked you what gets you out of bed in the morning. Money ain’t it, it’s what you buy with it.” Francisco started his lecture. Karl promptly interrupted him.
“I just bought a Canon Rebel T7. It is really nice. I have been taking all sorts of stills with it.” It was honest. The college photographer’s dream died, but the ambition still lived. “I want to take pictures all around Albany. It makes for a good side gig.”
“It’s the time in between these shifts that matter. Figure out what you want to get out of life that’s not just money. Bring your camera, take pictures during your break. You have my permission to take pictures all around here, just not of your co-workers because god knows they would punch you.” Both men laughed together, it was not even forced. “Focus on your hobby, not this *#%& job and your numbers will improve. “
“I wanna take pictures outside while the sun is still up. That is solid, even if it is from my car.” Karl’s mind wandered to a better place.
“Oh, then the purpose of this review is to emphasize that focusing on your own goals can improve your performance here. It’s crazy enough to work.”
Fransisco knew a great lesson in leadership. An employee is only motivated by what they buy with their money. That is how you connect with an employee: on their terms.
Never give up on life. Never give up on love.
That’s it. That’s all
-Nathan Hall