Who cares?

I saw this picture the other day on Seth Godin’s blog. Chances are you’ve seen the very same thing or at least the very same type of behavior.

I know the guys who pick up my trash twice a week won’t touch a trash bag unless it’s right on the curb…not three feet away. There have always been “customer service” agents on the phone who have been much more interested in upholding policies than in actually helping me get the answers I need.

And of course Pizza Hut last night. They advertised $5 for a medium pizza but of course the fine print says on single topping only so my order was several dollars more than I anticipated. Then, after placing a call-in order for delivery they actually called back to tell me that they couldn’t deliver to my address but if I wanted to pick it up it would be ready “any time.”  You guessed it. It was not ready when I went to pick it up. The manager was airing his gripes and complaints about his job to all of us standing in the store (also waiting on their order). And the real kicker, when I finally made it home I discovered they got the order wrong. Three (plus one) strikes…you’re out.

All these are symptoms of what the picture illustrates. Although it may look like laziness, I think it’s cowardice. I believe there is a lack of courage in business and ministry today. Very few are willing to step up, take responsibility, and move the log. They don’t want to be a target. They don’t want to be singled out. It’s far easier to stay below the radar, embrace mediocrity and cash the paycheck. What a shame.

Mediocrity is everywhere. These days, you can distinguish yourself by simply caring more than the next guy…and that’s not usually too tough to do.