Tyler and his brother started an Indiana sandwich franchise with an intent to help the people they hired to become better people. They wanted to do what they could to encourage growth and help people lead better lives. The brothers made a point of hiring applicants who were experiencing difficult times. One was a homeless man who came to the store, asked for a job, and was rewarded with an opportunity.
His name is Shineal, he was living at the time under a bridge and committed to being at work, on time, every day. He was, in fact, early every day, stayed late, and was the first to volunteer for whatever work needed to be done. As he saved money from his paycheck, he bought a bicycle so he could ride the 15-20 minutes to work. Later he reconciled with an aunt and slept on her couch instead of under the bridge. Then he bought a cell phone so when Tyler or his brother notified employees of a need, he could be among the first to respond and get to the shop. Shineal made himself available in every way he could.
Today Shineal manages one of the sandwich shops for the brothers.
Tyler and his brother decided to be fully available to those who could use their help. Shineal decided to be fully available and has moved from under a bridge to managing a store.
Sometimes our best ability is our availability.
When a business manager is fully available to employees the employees will often respond in kind.
They thrive and the business thrives.
That is not what many people think of with the phrase “talent development,” but that surely is that.
What can you do in your business to be more available to your employees and to open the door for them to do the same? Your best ability is your availability.
(story is courtesy of Fr. Jonathan Meyer of All Saints Parish, Guilford, Indiana)
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