Doing Your Job

Last night, a journeyman outfielder did his job for the Phillies.  With two on in the top of the 7th, Ben Francisco hit a three run home run.  Though it got close, it was all the Phils needed to win the game and take a 2-1 series lead.  This is a guy the team had hopes wold take Jayson Werth's place in right field.  It didn't turn out that way.  He had some good at bats throughout the season, but will be used in a pinch hitter's role in the post season.  By doing his job, it takes the pressure off the rest of the team to do more.  The team's star, Ryan Howard went 0-4, but has to feel better that his teammate has his back.  It takes a team to win as is proven every night this week in the playoffs.

What if everyone did their job in your organization?  What if the CEO didn't have to do more because her CFO wasn't up to the job?  What if the payroll clerk had to do his job only and not the work of others?  It is important that everyone know their role and perform to the best of their abilities.  It's called doing your job.  If you don't know what your role is-ask.  If you don't like it-leave.  Life is too short.  As leaders, your job is to define, give feedback and motivate your team to perform when called on and to give a consistently good performance. 

Most of us won't have to do our jobs in front of millions of people.  We need to perform for those we love and respect.  As leaders, we need to set the tone and give encouragement so everyone can do their job.  We can all learn from Ben Francisco.