By BOSEDE OLUSOLA-OBASA
Let’s start a fresh and exciting journey this September. It is the last month in this third quarter, and so it affords a great opportunity to be better positioned for greater results and experiences. Service Attitude is my newest value provision to my community members like you and I am super excited to educate you about it. Fasten your seat belt for a value ride.
If asked what service attitude has to do with working I will say quite a lot. First, you must understand that service attitude and work are not exactly the same thing. You can work without really serving. And you can have a service attitude without being an employee.
Think about the person who reports to work every morning, does exactly what the job description says, collects a salary and goes home. Technically, that person is working. But what happens when a colleague needs cooperation? A customer needs assistance? A junior staff member needs guidance? A problem falls between departments? Something goes wrong and everyone starts looking for who is responsible? That is when attitude begins to matter.
Work describes what you do. Service attitude describes how you approach the responsibility of doing it. For instance, this is why service attitude should not be reduced to smiling at customers or speaking politely. It is about recognising that what you do has an effect on somebody else. The teacher’s work affects the learner. The doctor’s work affects the patient. The driver’s work affects the passenger. The accountant’s work affects decisions. The manager’s decisions affect employees. The business owner’s choices affect customers, workers and suppliers. The public servant’s conduct affects citizens.
Even the colleague who says, “It’s not my job,” may be technically correct. But sometimes the better question is: “Is it my responsibility to help solve the problem?” This doesn’t mean becoming a doormat or doing everybody else’s work. Service readiness has boundaries. It doesn’t excuse exploitation, incompetence or unfairness. It simply asks us to see work beyond the pay cheque.
This is where Nigeria’s conversation about productivity needs another dimension. We often talk about working hard. I agree, Nigerians certainly know how to work hard. But hard work without responsibility can simply produce more activity.
What we need is work that creates value, keeps promises, solves problems and respects the people who depend on it.
So, the next time you say, “I am going to work,” be sure about this “Who are you serving through your work?” You answer may change how you do the work, because ultimately, the quality of our work is not determined only by how much effort we put in, but also by the value and responsibility you attach to it.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
In all you do, Mind Your Character.
I’m Bosede Olusola-Obasa, Character Development Trainer, Corporate Culture Strategist and Best Service Attitude Advisor.
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