Sharing the overnight shift with Geri for three months, and also being roommates, meant our lives intertwined completely. Initially, Geri’s work ethic—or apparent lack thereof—was a source of irritation for me. She seemed more captivated by the perks of free coffee and snacks than the modest bi-weekly paycheck. Often, mere minutes into our shift, she’d retreat to snack on Cheez-Its and trail mix, leaving me to tackle the mountain of inmate laundry solo.
As time passed, Geri opened up about her life. Raised by drug-addicted career criminals, she was no stranger to the inside of a jail cell, having been in and out of the system since her teens. Her father was serving a life sentence, while her mother was nearing the end of hers. Geri’s own life had been a series of hustles.
One evening, she surprised me with a compliment, calling me the hardest worker she’d ever met. She confessed to only having five jobs in her 36 years, none lasting more than two weeks. I was taken aback, having never encountered someone with such a background. But as weeks turned into months, our bond deepened. We shared stories, laughed till we cried, and found solace in each other’s company. Geri confided her struggle with sobriety, and I couldn’t help but express my admiration for the person she was without the influence of substances. I assured her that the Geri I knew—the sober Geri—was someone I’d be proud to call a friend outside these walls.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson about assumptions. We often project the worst onto others, assuming their intentions align with our prejudices. But Geri wasn’t lazy; she was simply doing her best with the hand she’d been dealt. Without work experience or role models, her understanding of work ethic was fundamentally different from mine. Recognizing this, I became a mentor rather than a critic, and soon, her efforts shone through.
Living your values is paramount. If you advocate for a life filled with laughter, love, and living to the fullest, then those principles should be evident in your actions. Are your values clear to those around you, or do they remain abstract concepts? Solidify your values by documenting them and consciously embodying them each day.
Work ethic is a cornerstone of my personal values. I commit wholeheartedly to every task, regardless of the compensation. My aim is always to leave a place better than I found it and to inspire my colleagues through example. Despite facing criticism for my diligence, I stood firm in my principles, unwilling to compromise my standards for the comfort of others. I didn’t expect everyone to match my intensity, but I did expect them to give their best.
When faced with someone who challenges your patience or angers you, ask yourself if they’re truly doing their best. This isn’t about excusing their behavior but rather understanding it from a new perspective. Evaluate them based on their actions and circumstances, not your preconceived notions. If they’re struggling in their current role, consider if there’s a better fit where they can make a meaningful contribution. Focus on nurturing greatness rather than dwelling on shortcomings.
*Names have been changed to protect individuals
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