In the not so quiet moments of reflection at the end of a long day, I often find myself thinking about the lessons I am imparting to my children. These lessons, both spoken and unspoken, shape their understanding of the world and their place in it. Though sometimes it seems I am far from teaching them anything! One of the most important teachings we can pass on is the importance of work ethics.
The way we approach our responsibilities, no matter how small, leaves an indelible mark on their young minds. And this is not even job dependent! As in, it doesn’t matter what job you do, your children are watching! The bible says in Colossians 3:23-24 that whatever you do, do your best! It doesn’t specify which jobs or chores. It says whatever your hands finds to do…
In our complex, we have a team of groundskeeping staff responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and order of our surroundings. However, there’s a recurring issue that perfectly illustrates the pitfalls of poor work ethics. The staff routinely leave rubbish bags that have been placed next to an overflowing bin, assuming their job is merely to wheel the bin to the roadside for collection. This lack of initiative and responsibility speaks volumes about their work ethic.
Growing up, I had a relative who used to refuse to do manual labour because he was going to work in the office so he thought manual labour was beneath him. And he was benefiting from this manual labour that he was refusing to do! You can guess how that office job turned out!
Now you get memes on social media about people who are tired of working so they just show up and do enough not to get fired. The memes are funny and real for some people, but, is that really how we want to go through life?
magine trying to inspire or motivate our children if we ourselves displayed such attitudes towards our work. When we do the bare minimum, we send a message that mediocrity is acceptable. We tell our children that it’s okay to shirk responsibilities as long as the job is “technically” done.
But is this the legacy we want to leave? Is that how we want our children to see us? Imagine working hard in school and thinking about how your parent is at work, doing the bare minimum.
We need to think about the impact of our actions on our children’s future. No one wants to work with or recommend someone who only does the minimum required. We all value people who take pride in their work, and who go the extra mile to ensure tasks are completed to the best of their ability. These are the ones who build strong reputations and successful careers. Conversely, those who cut corners and avoid additional effort are often overlooked for opportunities and advancement.
I have heard people say ‘I am doing the bare minimum because it is not my company!’ When you have never had a good work ethic, it will not magically appear just because you now work for yourself. No, you will struggle because you will get slackers like you! All the entrepreneurs I have met have one thing going for them…. a very strong and good work ethic. Those who started as employees worked hard where they were and did not shy away from going over and above! They did not do the bare minimum.
When we talk to our children about their future, we emphasize the importance of education, kindness, and perseverance. However, work ethic is the backbone that supports all these values. It’s what drives us to study hard, to help others, and to keep going when things get tough. It’s the difference between success and failure, between respect and disdain.
Returning to the example of our groundskeeping staff, their lack of diligence creates additional work for others and diminishes the overall quality of the environment they are paid to maintain. It is challenging to recommend or rely on someone who fails to see the bigger picture, who does not understand that every task, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good.
To truly inspire our children, we must demonstrate what it means to have a strong work ethic. This means taking pride in our work, striving for excellence, and understanding the broader impact of our actions. When we do this, we teach them that their efforts matter, that their work is a reflection of their character, and that they can make a difference in whatever they do.
At the end of the day, we want to look into the eyes of our children and tell them that we gave our best, not just for ourselves, but for them. We want to instil in them the belief that they are capable of achieving great things through dedication and hard work. This is the legacy of work ethics—a legacy that will guide them throughout their lives and inspire them to be the best they can be.
Actions speak louder than words. By embodying a strong work ethic, we not only enhance our own lives but also set a beautiful example for our children. We teach them that every task, no matter how small, is an opportunity to grow, contribute, and excel. This is the foundation upon which they will build their futures and the legacy we leave for future generations.
Being of good example is the best motivational lesson for children. Also is working with them, and when you are confident they can do the work on their own assign them tasks to do. You will be developing them for tomorrow. Involve them in the daily routine of the family, this will teach them responsibility not only in their tomorrow families, but also in their future jobs and social life.