Hebrews 10:25 (New International Version)
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit
of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day
approaching.
He almost killed somebody, but one minute changed his
life. The beautiful story comes from Sherman Rogers' old book, "Foremen:
Leaders or Drivers?" In his true-life story, Rogers illustrates the
importance of effective relationships.
During his college years, Rogers spent a summer in an
Idaho logging camp. When the superintendent had to leave for a few days, he put
Rogers in charge.
"What if the men refuse to follow my orders?"
Rogers asked. He thought of Tony, an immigrant worker who grumbled and growled
all day, giving the other men a hard time.
"Fire them," the superintendent said. Then, as
if reading Rogers' mind, he added, "I suppose you think you are going to
fire Tony if you get the chance. I'd feel badly about that. I have been logging
for 40 years. Tony is the most reliable worker I've ever had. I know he is a
grouch and that he hates everybody and everything. But he comes in first and
leaves last. There has not been an accident for eight years on the hill where
he works."
Rogers took over the next day. He went to Tony and spoke
to him. "Tony, do you know I'm in charge here today?" Tony grunted.
"I was going to fire you the first time we tangled, but I want you to know
I'm not," he told Tony, adding what the superintendent had said.
When he finished, Tony dropped the shovelful of sand he
had held and tears streamed down his face. "Why he no tell me dat eight
years ago?"
That day Tony worked harder than ever before -- and he
smiled! He later said to Rogers, "I told Maria you first foreman in deese
country who ever say, 'Good work, Tony,' and it make Maria feel like
Christmas."
Rogers went back to school after that summer. Twelve
years later he met Tony again. He was superintendent for railroad construction
for one of the largest logging companies in the West. Rogers asked him how he
came to California and happened to have such success.
Tony replied, "If it not be for the one minute you
talk to me back in Idaho, I keel somebody someday. One minute, it changed my
whole life."
Effective managers know the importance of taking a moment
to point out what a worker is doing well. But what a difference a minute of
affirmation can make in any relationship!
One minute. Have you got one minute to thank someone? A
minute to tell someone what you sincerely like or appreciate about her? A
minute to elaborate on something he did well? One minute. It can make a
difference for a lifetime.
Dear Lord we pray today that we would take the time, that
one minute to tell somebody we appreciate them. Help our eyes be open to see
the good things all around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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