Conference Centers, Trash Cans and Making An Impact
A few weeks ago, while preparing for a keynote speech at a busy hotel, Antoinette and I visited the ballroom to ensure everything was in place. Satisfied with the preparations, we decided to rest before the event. As we walked the halls, we encountered other speakers and industry leaders, feeling the buzz of creativity and innovation in the air. Excited to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new thought leaders, we were eager to share ideas and strategies with those committed to making a difference. It was during this time that we met Joe and PJ.
Joe and PJ could not be more opposite. Joe had to be in his late seventies; a short and skinny white man with a receding hairline and a slight tremor in his hands. PJ was a big and bulky black guy, maybe in his mid-20s, with a sleeve of tattoos and a big smile. Before they noticed me, I noticed how they worked together, emptying all of the trash cans in the ballroom. They moved together like a dance, one taking out the bag and tying it up, the other replacing the trash bag and wiping down the surface of the trash can. They moved swiftly around the room, working mostly in silence as they cleaned up the mess the previous audience had left behind and created a clean and organized space for the people that would come in next.
I approached them and introduced myself, thanking them for their hard work and asking them questions about their roles at the hotel. They told me they had been there since early this morning and walked me through their day, which started with meticulously dusting each surface, polishing every fixture, and vacuuming every inch of carpet with precision. They painstakingly arranged the tables and chairs, ensuring everything was perfectly aligned for the event. After that, they polished the marble floors until they sparkled, wiped down the reception desk, and meticulously cleaned the glass doors to let in the morning sunlight.
And then they told me their stories. When PJ wasn’t preparing these grand ballrooms for keynote speeches and events, he was taking care of his younger siblings while his mom was undergoing chemotherapy, and at the same time going to school part time. Joe told us, with tears in his eyes, about the love of his life Matilda that he lost last year, and explained that putting all of his time and effort into cleaning the ballrooms and hotels helped him keep his mind off of his grief. He also told us that he was an avid gardener and had just adopted a new kitten he named Thor.
As I listened to Joe and PJ recount their day's work with pride and dedication, I couldn't help but be inspired by their commitment to excellence. Despite their different backgrounds and appearances, they worked together seamlessly, their actions speaking volumes about the importance of teamwork, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic.
Their efforts may have seemed mundane to some, but to me, they were nothing short of extraordinary. In every task they performed, from emptying trash cans to polishing floors, Joe and PJ approached their work with a sense of purpose and pride, knowing that their efforts were integral to creating a positive experience for guests.
Their story reminded me that greatness is not defined by grand gestures or flashy accomplishments, but by the everyday actions of ordinary people who are dedicated to doing their best, no matter the task at hand. Joe and PJ may have been janitors by title, but in reality, they were impact players, making a tangible difference in the lives of everyone who walked through the doors of the hotel.
Their humility, dedication, and commitment to excellence serve as a powerful lesson for us all. Whether we're delivering a keynote speech, leading a team, or performing seemingly mundane tasks, we can learn from Joe and PJ's example and strive to approach our work with the same level of passion, dedication, and attention to detail.
In a world where the definition of success can often feel narrow and rigid, Joe and PJ's story serves as a poignant reminder that being an impact player isn't confined to grand gestures or flashy accomplishments. True greatness lies in the everyday actions of those who are committed to making a difference, no matter how small.
This week, let’s embrace the invaluable lesson taught by Joe and PJ: that every task, no matter how seemingly insignificant, has the power to make an impact and leave a lasting impression on those around us. We encourage you to find ways to impact players in our own lives, finding purpose and fulfillment in the seemingly mundane and ordinary moments.
