I think I have already found the Employee of the year, though it is only April. Positive attitude, engaged in his work, exemplary customer service, eager to meet the needs of his customers, he LOVES his job. “I can’t believe I get paid to work here.” I met Steven at Universal Studios in Orlando, when I chaperoned my daughters school choir tour this spring break (a trip NOT for the faint of heart.) On a warm day, I went to one of the cafes at Universal Studio to rest and meet up with some of the students. Along comes Steven: “Can I get you anything else? Here let me get that for you….let me know if you need anything.” A few minutes later, “Where are you from….?” “Chicago”, I said, then asked, “how do you like working here?” (A question I ask all over, not just in Orlando. Great honest responses from employees everywhere). “I LOVE my job; I get to meet people from all over the world, get to work in the sun, get decent pay. If it wasn’t for this job, I would be on welfare.” How long had he been there? TEN YEARS. When I asked about bad weather days (it had just finished pouring), Steven replied, “it is a break from the heat and sunshine. People come in to talk then. I like it.” Being from Pennsylvania, Steven said the weather here was great, he liked meeting and talking to people (an extrovert to do customer service-remember that when lining up your employees). He said he ENJOYED helping people get what they needed so they would like their stay in the park better. He may never be manager or move up; but he is content with himself, his life, his work and it showed through clear.
I don’t know if Steven ever took a personality test, or if the recruiter picked up on his personality, energy and positive attitude, but this was indeed a good fit for the right employee for the right job.
In my years as manager and as the one to hire, train and sometimes fire, what stands out most is the employees who LOVE their job, have a great attitude, are custom fit for their position and show it in their work with their words, and service to the customers. They reflect appreciation to their employer and organization. I would hire a fresh, green, less experienced but teachable new hire over a tired, know it all, entitled “experienced” worker any day. Kudos to you, Steven. (And to whoever hired you). I would undoubtedly name you Employee of the Year. If I ever get down there again, I will absolutely go to see if he is still there and say hello and eat at “his” cafe again.