Appreciation

On a regular day at ISB, I visited the laundry room to gather my clothes. While the housekeeping staff was busy looking for them, I just glanced through a mail on their PC. It was from Anushka (name changed) and read somewhat as the below:

“Subject: Balaram’s Reco

Dear Sir,

I am a very private person and do not like people to enter my room. But BALARAM has found his way in.

He is hardworking and dutifully cleans the room from the mess that I leave behind to a live-able place. He even helped my mom, when she visited me, to set up the room and clean it as per her guidelines. He does not hesitate in going the extra mile if he has to.

I thank him and highly recommend him for his services.

Best,

Anushka”

Nice! I thought, and suddenly a realization dawned upon me. I know a certain Virat (name changed) who is often rude to the housekeeping staff. He rather ‘expects’ them to clean his crap, and even fold his clothes and put them in a nice way in his cupboard- a job which might be part of the housekeeping staff’s job description, but is not usually asked for, by all. And might I mention, his room almost always stays in a mess. And there is not a word of appreciation, often rude talk, on the other hand.

Is this any different from our regular work life. A true appreciation from the boss might actually work wonders to one’s confidence and motivate one to perform even better. On the other hand, perhaps smarter employees may never give their best. What for?- is what they ask. Most employees bitch about their bosses, and maybe rightly so. However, is it not expected for the boss to be tough and demanding, and not exactly friends with his juniors?

Hmm… Being a manager is tough, and I guess, I will discover soon. However, I still believe that true appreciation needs to be demonstrated at the right time, whenever possible. Couldn’t find my clothes, the laundry guys might have misplaced it, but I left with an important lesson. Thanks, Anushka!