Knowing the job is an important aspect of doing any job. Most of us can easily know our job described by the role, a description or even a statement of work. But owning the job is something truly personal. Only individuals who care about what they do and practice mindful living with an unified purpose that everyone has a job to help others have their lives!
Had an interesting learning today when I took my son to the school for the AIPMT qualifying exam. This being an important national level entrance test qualifier for all those aspiring Doctors, the tension was in the air. Kids pressed for time due to ongoing schedule changes in their Pre-University Course were rushing with their parents and the admission tickets.
Two teachers at the gate were verifying the admission tickets and finding that every 3rd student had one issue or the other – no attestation on the photograph from their graduating school or a gazetted officer or no photograph at all. Though there was a fine print declaring this mandatory need, it was so common to see high percentage of non-compliance.
It is quite natural to send back these students not complying to the requirement. Kids were nervous, parents were down with shame of not taking care of this aspect and really helpless though some of them were authorized signatories themselves!
Then came the school principal smiling and assuring positive spirit through her gesture. She asked all kids to pool in around a desk created to get the attestation after verifying the records. She had a photographer stationed to take and print the same for those missing the photo on the admission ticket. It was so reliving for kids and parents alike. Every parent thanked her and offered to pay for the photo.
Flatly refusing the money and with her charming smile, she said “I know what I am doing. It is my job to ensure that all kids who prepared so well get to do well without any procedural issue. I’m doing this just to remind myself that it is important to own my job than just do it mindlessly. If you make a promise to do the same in your lives, I have accomplished my mission! Thank You!”
She truly influenced several hundred next generation citizens while transforming the current ones with such a subtle approach of demonstrating the value of owning the job!
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