Work ethics: Big lessons from small people…

Do you have good work ethic? This is a question that everyone with a good conscience should ask themselves sometime. Good work ethic; made up of values such as hard work, diligence, persistence, focus doing the right thing and doing things right; is a quest that should be one’s life mission. There are many a definition, based on myriad researches and cultures, as to what would constitute a good work ethic. However, there are points of convergence. One; good work ethic is desired and admired in every society; no society encourages laziness and sloppiness. Even where these seem tolerated, it is as a result of a breakdown in social values.Two; a good work ethic is intrinsic- it comes from inside the person. It is only the results and the actions that will be seen. Three; good work ethic is equal to productivity and prosperity. Four; you can rely on a person with good work ethics to deliver and they will generally be given more responsibility and eventually promoted at work. Five; good work ethics are creatures of habit. It is habits that form character and work ethics are a function of character. As someone eloquently put it: “…work ethics include not only how one feels about their job, career or vocation, but also how one does his/her job or responsibilities. This involves attitude, behavior, respect, communication, and interaction; how one gets along with others. Work ethics demonstrate many things about whom and how a person is”. You are what you do.So what is our work ethic like, in Rwanda? What constitutes good work ethics for us? Two examples: A first time visitor (and perhaps some umpteenth timers) will typically comment on how Kigali is clean, neat, orderly and beautiful… and indeed it is. It could easily be the most beautiful and clean city in Africa. We, Kigalians will then modestly accept this praise even as our hearts dance with pride. But, as the Swahili say, ukiona vyaelea vimeundwa (if you see boats and ships gliding on water, be sure someone made them i.e. effort is put to make things beautiful and functional).Someone wakes up every morning to make Kigali City clean. Someone diligently plants and weeds the flowers and the lawns. I remember waking up one Christmas morning and on my way to the bus station passed this lady sweeping the street. I was touched! I have seen this scenario again and again, even on rainy and damp days. Take another scene. A meeting is called in Kigali office. Notice had been given well ahead of time. The first executive comes twenty or thirty minutes late. The rest troop in later and some will even be an hour plus late…no apologies. And this happens always. Which of these two groups has good work ethics? Your guess is as good as mine. We need work ethic that makes us reliable, having initiative, or pursuing new skills. Persistence, finding no task too demeaning, placing other peoples need before our own and treating others decently and with respect should be our mantra.Our ‘small’ people teach us these big lessons in work ethics. We need to learn and practice the same in our various roles. I propose a toast, a standing ovation, a bouquet of flowers and ululation for these good people. I am surprised that they have never won an RDB award. They deserve it and if they do not fit the categories then one should be created for them. But mostly we should learn from them and emulate them. Alternatively you could be entrepreneurial and start a business. Then the consequences of good work ethics or lack of them would be very clear and direct to you…in no time! Perhaps the solution to our customer service issues lie in developing good work ethics as well? As we look upwards for inspiration, let us also look downwards and be inspired!Sam Kebongo teaches entrepreneurship at Rwanda Tourism University College. He also is a Director at Serian Ltd that provides skills and business advisory services consultancy.