Don’t stand around with your hands in your pockets

Growing up my family owned a moving company.  It was rough work done by even rougher men.  We used to joke our only help wanted signed was hung outside Cook County prision.  

Naturally my first job was working for my Dad.  On our first day I can remember my brother and I getting ready to leave.  Standing in the living room dressed in our green shirts and shorts my Dad gave us one last look over.  Two soft suburban kids in oversided uniforms with no idea what they were in for. 

He said in his thick Chicago accent "Johnny, you know the guys don't have it easy.  They work hard for their paychecks.  I can't have you making me look bad".  I shruged and gave a sarcastic "Ok?".  He paused for a moment. "Just don't stand around with your hands in your pockets".  

Ahh, got it.  Just keep busy, be useful.  If you're not useful, make yourself useful.  At least try.  

The day was long.  My brother and I mostly held doors or took smaller items down to the truck.  On our way home that evening he told us we did good and that he was proud of us.  Not too bad I thought.  Just don't stand around with your hands in your pockets.  Easy. 

I was reminded of this story while working with a team of engineers struggling to find their place on a new contract.  They wanted to be told exactly what to do and how to do it.  While I didn't drop this exact story on them I did guide them in a direction of taking personal responsiblity for contributing to the outcomes of the project.  A muscle that I think will serve anybody well in their career.  

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