An apprentice bricklayer? Not exactly how I pictured it!
BY Mike
Foti
We have all had positions and jobs in our lives that we felt were not fitting
with our goals, expectations, and perceived capabilities. We have probably all
felt at one time disappointed that we were not in a job that was fully utilizing
our skills. In the summer between my sophomore and junior years in college I had
such an experience. While studying business at Carnegie-Mellon University I
became extremely focused on "getting a position in my field" to improve my
knowledge and marketability when I graduated from college. Towards that end I
sent out approximately 100 resumes to secure a position. In 1980 there were
limited positions available and I was unsuccessful in my search. Coming home to
my Italian hard work ethic based family I was not going to be sitting on the
couch for the summer. My father used his persuasive skills and worked with the
union business agent to get me a temporary card to work the summer as an
apprentice bricklayer. Not only was I going to be doing a "manual labor" job I
was going to be the S.O.B. (this stands for Son Of the Boss). Not exactly the
job that I had in mind!
I went to work and worked as hard as I could each day still bemoaning in my mind
that I did not get a job in my field of business. Little did I realize at the
time that I was in the field of business. I was living in the trenches of the
commercial union masonry business. A business that my father had invested his
heart, soul, hands, back, and extensive creative energy to! This is the business
that put myself, my brother, and my sister through private schools and 4-year
colleges. He built his life from a 16-year-old immigrant with no money to a
respected businessman with 7digit net worth in these trenches!
Reflecting on this opportunity now makes me realize that the following were
several things that I learned and garnered from this experience:
-
It's never as easy as it seems when you go to do
it. The flick of a mason's wrist when they spread mortar on a concrete block
is a thing of beauty. In my brief summer experience my masonry skills would
never have been classified a thing of beauty.
-
We always have to give our best to the task at
hand. We can only perform excellently in what we are doing right now! Get the
maximum from the task at hand.
-
Recognize and respect that for the others around
you the task you may not care for might be their life's work.
-
There is a lot of knowledge in them/there hills!
Some of the best pearls of wisdom come from the least likely sources. Ask
questions and learn from who you are with right now. Make the people you are
with right now feel like the most important people in the world to you and see
what that does for what you get back.
-
If you are the S.O.B. or D.O.B. (Son or Daughter
of the Boss) keep it anonymous for as long as possible. I would only volunteer
my first name on the job site. We all should be seeking equal and consistent
treatment and when they find out you are the S.O.B. or D.O.B. they will either
treat you better or worse than average, not equal.
-
Ask others what they like about the job. You
might obtain a new perspective that makes it more enjoyable for you.
-
Think about how this task might be a springboard
for a larger opportunity for you.
Little did I realize at the time that this manual
labor job was going to be the springboard for my business career. My position
today is leading several glass block contracting and installations business.
This work in the trenches has given me a respect and appreciation for people
like my father who have helped me in my journey towards success! If you would like to have Mike speak to your group consider the following
programs:
Constructing the Framework of Success
Motivation - Begins with Me; Grows with We
Running the Race of Life with Purpose
If you want to get Mike's insights on this topic in one on one sessions
click here.
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Mike Foti is Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Glass Block (a
Northcoast 99 recipient for best employers in Northeast Ohio and a Community
Pillar Award winner for community service) and President of Leadership Builders.
Mike is a national speaker, writer, and consultant who helps individuals and
companies get results through people. To ask Mike how he might help you, or to
receive his free tips and leadership articles, call 216-531-6085 or visit his
web site at
www.leadershipbuilders.com.
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