Randy has taught the wonderfully well-behaved youth in our community (hee hee) since 1992 as an instructor for the Des Moines Public School District. He teaches at Scavo High School (which as of this writing on 2/17/2020 will soon be dismantled) and Randy will be moving on to a new program(for sure) at a new location (we think!).
The goal for any teacher is to promote learning. The goal for any student is to earn enough credits to graduate and move on in life. It takes a lot of time, effort, energy and strategy to teach a learner.
In all our jobs we work with people to coordinate, consult, encourage, motivate, teach, etc. those co-workers who care a lot, or on the other hand, those who do not care at all. It could be about the subject matter, a project, finding a job, changing a bad habit…on and on and on. You get my point. It’s really about how to effectively roll with change. At times, wouldn’t it be easier to throw in the towel?
There you go, plop to the floor
I believe when you sustain pride in your work ethic you don’t “throw in the towel” or feel defeated when it’s not about you, it’s about another’s lack of motivation.
To keep on trying to get through to people who are difficult to teach/or work with, it helps to add humor or creativity into your approach. Randy has been known to dress up as characters when he taught history lessons. For example, he has dressed as Mark Twain to teach about (ahh, I don’t really know*); and as Abe Lincoln (to teach about Abe I guess*). If I can track him down, he (Randy, not Abe) will be asked to fill in both both parenthesis.
I also need to track down a picture from ~1993 of Randy dressed as Abe because I know I took one!
*Please let it be known I’m not the type of person who says “I don’t really know or I guess” very often, it at all, because of this forensic mind of mine.
Randy’s teaching endorsements in U.S. Government and in U.S. History are well used especially regarding what Presidents did or didn’t accomplish during their terms. His favorite President is Abe Lincoln.
I often hung out with Abe and his son Tad during my lunch break when I worked for the State of Iowa (Do you know where this monument is found?)
I am pretty certain Abe had a fantastic work ethic and took great pride in his work. Like Abe, I do too; and so does Randy. I hope you do too! Here’s an article that will help you grasp the concept of taking pride in your work from the get go.
Recall from my previous blog that I believe you get your work ethic from your parents. Yet, what about the person who didn’t have great role models yet still exhibit qualities and traits of a hard worker/a person with good work ethic?
I’ve found that it can be easy to exceed the expectations of others simply by being someone who is reliable, on-time, diligent, and professional. I think these are all hallmarks of people with a strong work ethic.
Here are a few questions to ask (and if you’d like, answer for yourself) about work ethic:
Attendance ~ Are you dependable, stable and willing to take responsibility for your actions?
Reliability ~ Are you hard working and conscientious about the quality of your work?
Rules of Compliance ~ Are you likely to obey company policies and procedures?
Trustworthiness ~ Do you feel you are trustworthy and trusting of others?
I hope you feel good about answering these questions. When I interview people and find they have a good work ethic (and I often do as it runs deep here in good ole’ Iowa), I know that the person has what employers look for when they hire.
I found a couple shots of Randy and his buddy Abe. Do you know where this sculpture is found? 
Hi There Abe!
He Kissed Me Back!
If you have a case where work ethic is in question, or certain work traits are paramount in respect to your client’s vocational background, please let me know and I can point this out. My number is 515-778-0634. I want to help you help your client tell their vocational story realistically, persuasively and yes, even creatively!
Answer to Question 1: West of the Capitol building
Answer to Question 2: Jordan Creek Mall near Scheels
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My professional consulting practice focuses on helping attorneys help their clients with civil litigation matters.
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