Edition 91 Monday May 23rd 2011
Hi, I love the smell of freshly cut grass, and the way a property is transformed after the lawns have been mowed. I get the same feeling after having swept the courtyard or having washed the car inside and out, is it just me or does the car seem to go better when clean? I know one thing for sure all of these things make me feel good as I do them and after they are done. So it was cool to do all three this weekend as I tore around catching up with chores after a weekend away last week.
I attended the funeral of my old front row buddy Dougie Hopkins held at the North Shore Rugby Club during the week. This was a fitting farewell for the club stalward, the place was packed to the gunwales with friends and family. Family is a good way to describe the unique atmosphere in this special venue that has become the ‘hub’ of the sleepy little marine suburb. Aptly named the ‘Pride of the Union” the Club played host to championship leaders Massey on Saturday. In another fitting tribute to Dougie (who played 165 senior games) the senior team played out of their skins to win convincingly by a whopping 46-16. After having not been at the club for over 12months my two visits within three days reinforced the important part this place has in my heart and my memories. Kids, parents , supporters and players all proud and happy to be members of a Club where ‘family’ is the look and feel. It was like going back in time and whilst providing the highlight of the weekend also a catalyst for future visits ‘this’ season. Some cool moments from a huge ‘things that make me feel good’ weekend. Funny how simple but enjoyable life can be,it doesn’t get any better.
I hope you had an equally cool weekend to set you up for another great week, Cheers Jonesey!
Harry the protective hound had a busy weekend deciding if mower and hose were friend or foe
“My pride never stopped me from picking up a mop and cleaning the toilets” Ray Kroc (Founder of McDonalds)
My visit to the mighty North Shore Rugby Club made me think a lot about their logo “The Pride”
Pride is something every member of that club clearly has in their organisation. This is essential if they are to thrive and be successful. It’s a good message for us all to heed in our business and private lives.
What I observed in the last three days was a group of people who cared enough about each other to ensure their club (or business) ran like a well oiled machine.This is not because a few people do all the work, moreover it is because everyone is doing their share to make the place work as well as it can. I am sure we have all been members of clubs and companies where it is the same old people who do the hard yards and others who take continuously without giving.
I am a firm believer in the philosophy that you will only ever get out of a club or company/organisation what you put in and that if you don’t do your bit then you will be a passenger and a become a ‘weak link’.
As any good coach or Manager will tell you, the team (or staff) will only ever be as good as the ‘weakest link’. The quote above from Ray Kroc is therefore an appropriate one because unless you are prepared to do any job in the company it is unlikely you have what it takes to contribute fully. No one is more important than the cleaner or lowest paid member of your staff or team. We all need to make an effort to ensure we are doing our bit to eliminate the weak links.
A good analogy I use often is that of a row boat where each of us has an oar and responsibility for rowing so we contribute to the forward momentum of our boat (team, business, organisation, club). The minute one of us isnt rowing we become a passenger or a liability that the rest have to work harder to carry. This is unacceptable if we are to compete and survive in the competitive world we live in. The message this week my friends is to row hard and don’t ever be ‘the weakest link’.
P.R.I.D.E. Personal Responsibility In Delivering Excellence. Barry Uroquhart
No comments:
Post a Comment