The World of Grandpa Don

Timothy Manganello, Chairman and CEO of Borg Warner, Inc was interviewed regarding career advancement. His advice was; "Do your best, don't worry about your next job; it will find you." That struck me as a bit of advice that has profound meaning, invaluable in several respects.

His advice was to concentrate on the task at hand, not being concerned with "office politics" or even what is coming next. Good attitude, integrity and performance will be recognized and advancement will result. I read this on the morning that Anthony came by to help me repair my gate. As we worked, he told me of the conversation he had with one of his coaches on the Prairie Gravel baseball team. The coach also happens to be a part time scout for a major league team and he asked Anthony if he would be willing to sign a contract if he was given an offer. He said that he had been approached by a couple other scouts and the question came up. 

And why? When Anthony plays ball, he is doing his best. (I have noticed this about all my grandkids and it is something I was taught by my father.) When you are honest, diligent, and use common sense, it shows, and you are noticed. It is noticed in the organization you are in at the time as well as by others with whom you come into contact. This is especially true in sports and the arts because of their nature. It is also true in the normal work place. 

On several occasions, during my life, I have been approached by customers, associated companies and competitors (through a third party) asking if I would consider joining them. The possibility of improving my position had found me. This happened, not only after I had reached a rather prominent position, but early in my career as a draftsman/engineer. 

I have seen it happen with several others, a couple who were recruited by fellow workers who had moved to other companies and were trying to fill openings or simply interested in giving an assist to someone who deserved it.

It makes no difference how menial the task. If it is done with eagerness and done well, your efforts will be recognized. Sometimes it takes a while. The story is that as a teen, Oliver Burnett regularly cut the grass for a certain business man. The man became the president of Standard Oil of Indiana. Because of the job that Oliver had done on that lawn, Kelso-Burnett Co was given the contract to do all the electrical maintenance for the Standard Oil service stations in the Chicago area. This was at a time when the KB electricians used a horse and wagon to travel from job to job. The stable was in the basement of 223 W Jackson Blvd. 

So, we need to follow this sage advice: No matter what the task, work with diligence and integrity. Advancement is looking for you and will find you.

Don Plefka
06/30/2004