The Lesser is More

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

There was a time in my life when my job was to train managers for a local restaurant chain. It was a very rewarding job which I did for close to 2 years. I could always tell the difference between someone who came up through the ranks and someone who went to management school when on the very first day of field training they were asked to clean the toilets. Those who have been there did so without reservation and those who learned about how it's done always reneged. It was my most favorite day of training.

After each manger-hopeful had a chance to clean the restrooms from top to bottom we went into the restaurant to take a break and discuss how they felt. The conversation always and eventually steered towards one question; "Is cleaning toilets something we're going to be expected to do as managers?"

Occasionally there would be a manager candidate who began as someone who's primary role was to keep the cleanliness of our restaurant in the class and knew the answer to that question. It was in these classes I would invite them to share their experiences. What they shared was more valuable to the class than anything I could have said. On one one such gathering I recall these words spoken: "If those who are considered to be on the bottom of the ladder to success, as we see it, are not treated as equals in the company, how can we, as a whole, call ourselves successful."

The lesson was continued by myself in the usual way - we are not alone in the duties we perform, it takes all of us doing our part to ensure a positive experience for our guests, it's only in the knowledge by those we work with that if we are willing to do their job side by side that true cooperation is accomplished. As I continued through that day I could see a different energy from the candidates as they picked up rubbish, bussed tables, washed pots and pans, and did various other "janitorial" jobs.

The words spoken by someone who understood what they meant rang loud and clear for more than that day, or the day after. They rang for the 3 months our managers are asked to perform other duties which may or may not be managerial. Needless to say, that class, those  half-a-dozen managers, graduated and took on their jobs with a passion and respect for which that position deserves.

We all learned through this experience that if we take care of the those who are considered the lowest of society we will all benefit.