Everyone is doing their best, even when they’re not
November 10, 2007 by Donna Steinhorn
Nobody sets out to do a bad job. I don’t think anyone wakes up and says, today I am going to slack off. Thomas Leonard used to say (and I’m paraphrasing here) that everyone is doing their best, even when they’re not.
Think about it. That waiter who spills the water on you, and forgets to bring your drink refills probably didn’t decide to be a bad waiter…he just wasn’t up to the job that day. You don’t do your best every day…but it’s not because you’re not doing trying in the moment, it’s just that other things got in the way. Maybe you’re distracted, or not feeling well, or just not prepared, but it’s not that you have the intention to do less than your best (or at least “good enough”.)
If we accept this concept as a framework, how would we react to people who make mistakes or are less than stellar in their work or behavior? Would we try to be more empathetic and understanding?
Do you really believe everyone is doing there best? I understand Thomas’ version of this….hey just understanding Thomas sometimes was a huge feat in itself : ) but I’ve seen some people slack off on purpose with full intentions of doing little or nothing.
I don’t understand it, but I’ve seen it. I know I don’t have to understand it or own it. That too is important. I’ve come across so many people who’s sole purpose is to order others around and control the process while not engaging in it only to want credit. Is that their best? I think not. I think it’s a conscious choice. Do you see where I’m coming from? Thoughts on this?
Thanks!
DK
It’s subtle, but the thought is that even when someone chooses to slack off, it’s the best they can do at that moment in time, whether it’s because they are lazy or unable or willing to do better in that moment. They might be angry or rebellious or something else might be in the background of their choice to do nothing.
So in this case, or in the case of the person who has a need for control and/or credit, there is something else going on for them that causes their best to be not-so-great.
Could they choose to be/do better? Absolutely…but only if it becomes a conscious thought; and we know how many people operate without making choices.