I know in the past I’ve spoken about how so many people in today’s world attempt to get things completed as quickly as possible so they can move on to the next project. Since most projects are income driven, the faster one works at completing an agreed upon task, the faster they will get paid and on to the next project. The problem I see with this type of work is the opportunity for those performing the work to cut corners and not pay as close attention to details. I find it happening often and I shake my head in dis-belief in how so many don’t take pride in their work. Fruits of labor should not be considered the size of the check, but rather the standing back and saying to oneself, “Now that was a good job done and I’m proud of it.” The “fruit” of that form of thinking is creating self-worth and reaching for the next challenge to become even better.
A number of years ago it was not un-common for people to to hire someone on a time and materials basis. They would keep track of their hours and supply the receipts for materials purchased when it came time to get paid. Yes, there were those who found ways to pad their hours as well as supply receipts for goods that were not supplied, but those people soon found themselves out of work simply because word of mouth destroyed their reputation. For a number of years I would nearly always hire people I trusted to perform work on given projects under the time and materials format. One particular gentleman whom I trusted without exception was likely the best finish carpenter I’d ever known. He was a man of few words but made up for it in the quality of workmanship. We rarely dis-agreed on anything simply because there was a level of respect as well as trust. I was glad he decided to retire and start enjoying himself more but was equally sad in knowing I would never find someone as good as he was again.
In today’s world we find bills being handed to us for payment before the paint is even dry on the walls they’ve painted. Seems people are either living on the edge of their finances or they are so terribly afraid of not being paid. The finish carpenter I spoke earlier about would send me his bill with a detailed account of the services he provided usually weeks after the job was completed. One great difference about him and others in today’s world is that it seems many want to be paid half when the work is half complete. I guess I’m too used to not getting paid until the job is completely finished and that is when a given home is sold and closed. It’s no wonder why sellers sometimes ask me if there is an up front cost to listing their home. My response is always, “I won’t get paid until you’re paid.”
I do wish more people would create a mindset of doing their absolute best in any given task they’ve agreed to perform. If all of us would look at our work as being more of a calling rather than a job, we would choose to become more diligent. Most people who understand diligence in their work are usually considered the best in their field.
The photo above is one I took of the four homes including the Egloff House being so diligently prepared to be transported to their new location. Now that’s a real definition of diligence.
