QBQ! Quicknote - Living Like Larry  |
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 Please enjoy this week's story from Thom, a district manager and follower of the QBQ!It was 10 PM in Albuquerque and my flight home to Tucson through Phoenix had been delayed due to bad weather. I now wouldn't be in till after 2 AM. But things improved quickly thanks to an airport security officer named Larry. He will forever "raise the bar" for TSA officers at airports everywhere! Larry was directing passengers to several lines for baggage x-ray and security checks. What was totally surprising, however, was Larry's approach to his job. Instead of the typical employee pointing travelers to line number one or two, Larry proudly introduced himself to about thirty passengers by shouting, "Good evening everyone, my name is Larry. I'll be helping you through security tonight. And just so you all know, it's my birthday!"  Meanwhile, a new line had been opened. As he waved several people into it, he quoted the movie "Finding Nemo" by chanting, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!" Everyone cracked up! By now, I couldn't help but be amazed at how Larry's attitude buoyed so many weary travelers. Then to the group behind me he declared, "Hi, everyone! I'm Larry!" And like a group attending a self-help seminar, the crowd enthusiastically replied in unison, "Hi, Larry!" As they moved toward the scanners he joyfully delivered their instructions. I trudged on to my gate as Larry's cheerful voice faded into the background. And I was better for the experience. And, John, the best part was actually watching the other TSA officers working nearby. They were smiling from a distance seemingly wanting to have as much fun as Larry - but not appearing to know how. What a shame that the only thing holding any of us back from doing so is ... ourselves! -------------------------------------------------------------------  Larry made a choice to have fun that night, and his choice delighted many travelers. Instead of asking lousy questions like "When will these people learn the rules?" and "Why don't I get paid more?" he embodied personal accountability by asking QBQs such as: "What can I do right now to serve my customers?" and "How can I exhibit enthusiasm for my job?"Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all had a little of Larry in us to cheer others on? Living like Larry is a worthy goal John G. Miller Author of QBQ! and Flipping the Switch QBQ! QuickNotes may be forwarded by email to others or printed in their entirety with credit given for personal and group use. Copyright QBQ, Inc. 2007. All rights reserved. Host a QBQ! event at your organization and start making personal accountability a core cultural value. Click here for more information or give us a call today at 1-866-988-RAIN - we'd love to hear from you! Learn more about Personal Accountability and the QBQ! at our Personal Accountability at Work website Visit the QBQ! QuickNotes Archives Personal Accountability should be an important part of every organizational culture. Unfortunately though a culture of personal accountability is often times eroded and replaced by a destructive culture characterized by negativity, blame shifting, finger pointing, and poor employee morale. QBQ! The Question Behind The Question seeks to eliminate this noxious culture and replace it with one where individuals take responsibility for their actions and ask themselves what they as individuals can do to help the organization succeed and prosper. For more information about how you can create a culture of personal accountability in your organization give us a shout! 1-866-988-RAIN   |
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