My new series of blogs about the work ethic starts this week and at a very challenging time for this country. The COVID-19 virus is just beginning to take hold in America in a significant way. As a frame of reference, the governors of many states have issued statewide stay-at-home edicts. We don’t know what’s to come, and it changes day-to-day. One thing I find incredible is how many people are stepping up and answering the call to help tackle the virus beyond staying at home or buying takeout food to support local restaurants.

I’m impressed with the school teachers who, instead of staying at home with their own children, are out delivering breakfast and lunch to their students in need. I’m amazed by the neighbors who arrange nightly outdoor concerts or sing-alongs to keep the spirit of their community alive. Mostly, I’m awestruck by all of the medical workers who, despite their risk of contamination, are like soldiers on the front lines battling back this deadly pandemic.

I had already planned on making this blog series about what is meant by a work ethic, such as not cutting corners and doing more than a job requires. Ironically, I’m seeing that now, in real-time, in a way that I haven’t seen since 9/11. 

Regarding the work ethic, William S. Burroughs said:

“Build a good name. Keep your name clean. Don’t make compromises, don’t worry about making a bunch of money or being successful – be concerned with doing good work and make the right choices and protect your work. And if you build a good name, eventually, that name will be its own currency.” 

In the upcoming blog series, I’ll examine Burroughs’ concept of the work ethic as related to what I currently see taking place. One intangible thing that separates the kind of employee, manager or business owner who excels from those who work to collect a paycheck and get through the day is a work ethic.

I’ve read many definitions of work ethic, and my favorite is recognizing the intrinsic value beyond the immediate results of the work done and the attitude toward it. As Burroughs said, once people know you as having a good work ethic, you’re granted a level of respect earned only through hard work and character.

 Joe Frazier spoke about the work ethic as well.

“You can map out a fight plan or a life plan, but when the action starts, it may not go the way you planned, and you’re down to your reflexes – that means your preparation. That’s where the roadwork shows. If you cheated on that in the dark of the morning, well, you’re going to get found out now, under the bright lights.” 

Frazier’s quote is one of my favorites. You can neither cheat nor cut corners on a work ethic because it will come back to haunt you. Imagine yourself as a middle manager who appears to stay late to get more work done. However, once everybody leaves, you start playing Call of Duty or some other video game with friends. The boss thinks your passion motivates you to put in extra time, when, in reality, you want the 5G broadband paid for by the business. You get away with it, too, until the IT department lets your boss know what’s up or your boss asks to see the results of the work you stayed late to accomplish.

A work ethic is nothing that can be faked. It comes with a high level of integrity, which is among the most delicate of qualities — and it defines your reputation. Once you lose it, it’s almost impossible to restore. We’ll talk more about this idea in the next few blogs.