This week at work (at the bakery) one of the juniors (who usually works on the weekend) is doing work experience with us out the back in the kitchen. Now this girl has worked with us for a while, and she annoyed the CRAP out of me when I worked on Saturdays a couple of years ago. She is still in high school, and before even speaking to her you can tell she has that 'I don't care, I'm so good, I know everything' attitude.
So I was really dreading this week, even though I am only working three days.
BUT!
It has been awhile since I've seen her, and it appears she has gone through a major personality change. She was previously very lazy, wouldn't do something even if you specifically asked her to do it. But today, she did the worst jobs and kept smiling. She did things the previous apprentice wouldn't THINK to do after working there for several months (like wiping the sink down after doing a load of dishes). She did jobs properly AND fast. AND she isn't getting paid either. It was amazing! It was actually a pleasure to have her help me all day.
So I think I will tell her that she's been wonderful. I just don't want to sound like I am a gushing idiot though. What should I say?
people CAN change
July 27th, 2009 at 07:01 am
July 27th, 2009 at 08:40 am 1248680440
I don't think I would mention, "Hey, I was really dreading this week, when I found that you were to be my co-worker" OR "What's up? You've undergone a much-needed attitude overhaul"! Maybe the girl has matured or she has decided to put some time and effort into protecting this job. Whatever...the bottom line is you were privileged to see that people CAN change; I'd like to think that your willingness to continue to work with her might have been an encouraging influence!
Hope this helps!
July 27th, 2009 at 06:10 pm 1248714647
July 27th, 2009 at 07:36 pm 1248719803
Since she's in an apprenticeship, then I gush about her performance with her boss/mentor/whoever she is really working for. Could be that she really wants to be a baker - right job, right person.
Thanking twice (her, her boss) reinforces doing a job well on its own merit, or at least doing a job well without anyone obviously watching.
Sounds like you both learned a little something. She'll learn that there are rewards for growing up, and you learned that teenagers can grow up pretty fast.
July 27th, 2009 at 10:36 pm 1248730619
July 28th, 2009 at 08:56 pm 1248811003
July 29th, 2009 at 03:36 am 1248835010
These past three days, she has been doing amazing things like cleaning the whole kitchen. I just said: Wow! You are really into your job lately!
July 29th, 2009 at 04:08 am 1248836931
ba: no idea what caused the change. she had a few warning letters from the boss's wife so maybe she realised she wanted the job!