Earn Respect As a Custodian
If you are called to be a street sweeper, sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.' - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Steps
- Respect yourself. This is the number one most important factor in getting respect from others. If you do not have this, nothing else will work
- When people ask what your job is, state it simply "I am a custodian." Try to avoid downplaying the importance of what you do by saying "Oh, I'm just a custodian...".
- Take yourself seriously. Show up on time, dressed appropriately. While it may not make sense to wear a Brooks Brother's suit, it is always important to wear clothes that are clean, in good repair and fit you well.
- Take your work seriously. Do your job well.
- When you see opportunities to "go the extra mile", do it. The difference between regular people and great people often lies in the phrase "and then some". Regular people do what they need to do. Great people do what they need to do - and then some.
- Say hello to people. If you have been a custodian for more than five minutes, you will begin to understand the sense of being invisible. If you work around people who are doing a different sort of business, they will usually be busy and not say "hi" to you. Say "good morning" to them anyway. If they are not too busy, try striking up a simple conversation. As you get to know people better ask questions and show interest in them - showing respect toward others is a good way to get respect yourself.
