Dripping with Flavor
Increase. Praise. The Cover up.
Savory, sweet, buttery, smooth, toasty, and/or nutty are all ways to describe the variety of coffee flavors as well as the emotions that employers hope to gain from their incentives.
While there is nothing like fresh, flavorful coffee beans they naturally give off a bitter taste. Like many coffee consumers, there are a huge number of professionals that would rather overload on the dessert-like pleasantries of performance bonuses, electronics and a new office view to compensate for anxiety over a workload of three, completing tasks three grades (steps) higher, inhumane work hours and/or unhealthy work conditions. Let’s be real! Employers will still want more.
The concept of highlighting, showing gratitude and being an unexpected blessing has essentially become a way “to make bad coffee taste better”. I pride myself on exercising professionalism, and maintaining a quality work performance as a representation of GOD, my family, Hampton University and as a Lady of Delta. While demonstrating intellect and acquired skill sets are important, I have learned that upkeep and boundaries will allow you to accomplish much in all areas of your life.
Incentives can be a smooth, sweet layer before piling on more unrealistic expectations. Just like propylene glycol (a chemical used in anti-freeze, electronic cigarettes, etc.) is mixed into coffee beans to attach flavor, employers offer the same feelings of comfort to retain employees by supplementing things rather than honest fulfillment, a healthy work culture, and/or contributions to society.
I am not encouraging anyone to be less productive. Work smart, not stressfully hard. If you are NOT an entrepreneur, you are held accountable by someone. If you are an entrepreneur, administrator, program director or a leader of some sort, treat people like people. Listen. Respect. Respond. The best leaders that I have encountered may not have always been the best performer in their positions prior to leadership but they know how to coach and create a culture where people want to produce their best work together. Many urban professionals do not leave jobs in their field of interest because of the work itself but poor leadership. You CAN NOT drive a team but guide, serving as an example of the very work ethic you appreciate on your team.
Incentives that encourage peace and balance have shown to make a difference in longevity and work production. While many corporations’ schedules, workspace and workload/responsibilities may vary, people with opportunities to work 3- day extended hours, telework, offered professional development or simply have a voice show consistent commitment to their work in gratitude for consideration and flexibility conducive for a quality product.
Flavor may intensify joy on your taste buds. A bonus may provide a temporary increase to your wallet and a false idea of upward mobility. A new device may carry the newest beat through your body. Therefore, maintain focus of the long-term outcome that you want. Urban professionals are not just employed. You hold a high position to your family, friend and community.
Secret 8: Flavor can make bad coffee taste better!
Don’t allow a little flavor to fool you. Always find new ways to development yourself, professionally and personally (physical, mental and spiritual). Know your wealth and accept nothing less.