Last night I decided to have a staff meeting with our store to go over problems and issues we have been having. Meetings like this are always difficult because it is hard to plan them around everyone’s schedule. So at 9:30pm last night we rounded up the staff to go over a few things. This was also the first meeting we have had since I took over this location from the previous manager. One issue we have been having, and in my opinion the most destructive issue, was everyone has had a very strong feeling of entitlement. The funny thing was the majority of them didn’t know what that word meant! So having a group of people who felt like they deserved so much for doing so little was becoming an issue. Some of them are going through a lot in their lives just like most people in the world, however I explained to them that when someone expects a handout, they will never learn to stand on their own two feet. They will always be expecting that next handout. So my (harsh) advice to them was to simply work harder!! I explained to them that it’s not that people can’t empathize with them about their issues, however I simply want them to just work harder! I told them “Nobody cares, work harder!” Now of course deep down I do care and I want them to feel like they can talk to me about their issues, however if they are looking for a handout, I am not their guy.

Becoming a business owner has taught me a lot and has certainly caused me to face some challenges. However, these challenges are the reason I’m still growing and not standing still. I strive to challenge my staff everyday to be better workers, but most important to be better people! Trying to get a 17-year-old kid to understand the importance of wearing a belt, in this day and age, is not an easy task. However that belt signifies much more than something to hold up his pants. Wearing that belt sets you apart from everyone else: you look professional, you look sharp and mature, and of course your pants won’t be sagging to the floor!! I can’t tell you how many excuses I get as to why someone forgets something so simple like a belt. “Excuses only satisfy those who make them!” This quote goes nicely with telling people nobody cares, work harder. I understand that in certain situations these things won’t apply and people legitimately need help and that is okay, however the examples I deal with are on a very small-scale and people expect help because they have never been challenged enough to stand on their own two feet.

“Excuses only satisfy those who make them”

I always tell my employees to prove to me you deserve what you’re asking for whether it be more hours or more pay. Asking me for it means nothing if your’re not willing to work for it. Put the time and effort in first and then tell me what you want because your more likely to receive it. These are principles that apply in anything, you can’t treat your spouse like garbage and then ask for love! You can’t eat McDonald’s all year and then ask why your overweight!  Put the work in and then you won’t have to ask for anything because results will come. Just work harder…..