25 Lessons on Working Happy From My German Father
Saturday, June 14th, 2008
My father owns an electrical contracting business. He built a strong company that has lasted for over 40 years. He has never advertised in his life. He went out and proved he was good and his customers referred him to other friends and contractors all over eastern Pennsylvania. Seth Godin would have been proud.
I worked for him in the summers when I was out of school. Working with him was a pleasure and a pain. He was born German and insists on everything to be perfect. He always set the bar higher than I could reach.
I look back on it now and realize how much I’ve learned. I was lucky to have a father who owned his own business and wanted his son to tag along. I was probably more work then a help, especially in the early years.
As you read this list try to picture a German man with a graying black beard, a tool belt on and a pair of dirty jeans as he says each one. It makes it more fun.
1. Never worry about the time, all it will do is make work go slow.
2. Take time to hang out with co-workers, it makes work interesting.
3. Be able to laugh at yourself because people like to be around someone that doesn’t take himself too seriously.
4. A good cup of coffee is worth the price it costs.
5. Do it right the first time.
6. Why take a longer break then you really need?
7. If it works then you did well. If it works and looks good then you did great.
8. Be able to explain how you made the mistake. No one wants to hear how you’re not sure.
9. The earlier you wake up the earlier you can get home.
10. Nothing wrong with daydreaming as long as you pick the right spots.
11. Don’t worry about how a customer looks, just worry about their ability to pay on time.
12. Always lend a hand to another contractor because you are going to need them to help you before the job is done.
13. Set the bar higher then you can presently reach because one day you’ll reach it if you keep trying.
14. Buy coffee for everyone every once in a while. We all need to spread good will.
15. Can’t force a person to care about their work. It’s really up to them to make that decision.
16. It’s only money. The real joy is in the accomplishment.
17. The customer doesn’t always know what he wants. Sometimes they need to be enticed with good ideas.
18. Don’t walk too fast and don’t walk too slow because you’ll either wear yourself out or you’ll look like a slacker.
19. Even if you don’t know how to do it, give it a try because you may surprise yourself.
20. Eat lightly during the day because you’ll weigh yourself down if you eat too much.
21. Always have a system for each task because then you can do it without too much thinking, which frees your mind up for planning the next task.
22. Never be afraid to walk away. Not every relationship will work.
23. You can enjoy your work or you can think about going out tonight. It’s up to you.
24. Don’t do what I do unless you really love it.
25. Hard work may make you tired, but it’s a good tired.
Happy Father’s Day!
I love you Baba (German name for Dad). My friends always made fun of me for calling him that and now they ask, “How is Baba?” It’s cool how unique things stick in people’s heads.
What is one lesson you’ve learned from your father?
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Image courtesy of Nikki Staib. It’s an image of my father holding his grandson (My nephew Kris).
What a beautiful Fathers Day tribute! Your dad sounds like a wonderful human being. I love #23: “You can enjoy your work or you can think about going out tonight. It’s up to you.” He’s right; many of us can be happy right now if we just make that choice. And it sounds like being a team player served him well. Wonderful job!
Sara’s last blog post..Stop “Developing” and Start Living
Hey Sara, my baba is a pretty cool guy. He was tough on me growing up, but now I appreciate his tough love. Funny thing is now he is the sweetest and coolest guy anyone can meet.
Some great tips that everyone can use in their life. It’s a bit funny because baba also means dad in Arabic.
Hey Rajaie, when we really look at all the differences in the cultures throughout the world we realize that we aren’t that different.
With all the great things you learned from your dad, no wonder his company is 40 years strong. You should make this into a poster and hang it on your office.
Chris’s last blog post..Sleep
Hi Karl,
Your baba is a wise man. 40 years in business is a huge accomplishment.
Being self employed, I can identify with #11, and #12. I also find a lot of truth in your last point: “Hard work may make you tired, but it’s a good tired.”
My dad (and mom) taught us that no matter what job we had, no matter how menial it seemed, always give it our very best. By doing so, I was often advanced from the bottom, up.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Most Bloggers Are Quitters – Are You
Hey Chris, I think that the poster idea is great.
Hey Barbara, parents play such an important role in our lives. I was just happy that I have a forum to give my father a thanks that other people can appreciate.
[...] at Work Happy Now shares lessons on working happy that he learned from his dad. All 25 are very simple, but I suspect that anyone who put them to [...]
Hey everybody
this wonderfull man is my brother!!!
Thanks Karl, you are so right!!!
And in memory to our perants (Oma+Opa)
The german sister from germany
Thank you for sharing. These are great reminders and wonderful inspirations.