Good afternoon, Team! It’s Friday!
I was introduced to white lithium grease 40 years ago. We maintained our own construction equipment so we became used to grease guns, the need to keep things greased to minimize metal on metal wear and how dirty the job was to grease trucks and loaders and rock crushers and everything else that had a grease zerk.
The physical properties of lithium grease could be “applied” to situations in a business setting. I’m not talking about a bunch of tin men and women standing around waiting for someone to shoot some grease in the right zerk allowing them to stay mobile. Rather, there are friction-filled conversations and situations that grind on and create more tension than most are comfortable with. Typically, some thing or some one breaks prior to maintenance/full reconciliation.
Last week I encouraged you, as leaders, to train some plumbers and run a tighter ship. This week I’m digging into another physical activity that revolves around preventative maintenance.
Metal on metal friction produces heat, creaks, sloppy joints and when neglected long enough broken equipment that could lead to physical damage and personal injury.
Person on person friction, especially in the work place, can lead to hurt feelings, arguments, resentment, and retention concerns resulting in an unnecessary career path change. Wouldn’t it be great if all you had to do was reach in your desk once a week and find the zerk on your colleague that needs a couple shots of grease?
Maybe you can, and without the mess.
All relationships require maintenance. Instead of grease, maybe you need to demonstrate concern by regularly asking how your coworkers are doing. A shot of care. Discover what their interests are and what matters to them. Think about that regular maintenance as a way to keep the machine running smoothly. If you are listening to the cogs in the machine (the people in your company) you can prevent things from binding up.
I hope you have someone in mind after reading this blog and that you will reach out with genuine and deliberate effort to express your concern for them, lend an ear to what they need and look forward together.
Have a blessed weekend!