No unimportant people

The year was 1980 and I was starting my first "real" job as a bank teller at little First Granite City National Bank.  I was excited and a little apprehensive about handling all that money. 

A friend offered some advice that I have never forgotten.  He told me not to worry about the money.  I was conscientious and honest.  Those qualities would serve me well.  His advice?  "Don't forget the unsung heroes in the pits, the worker bees that are not seen.  All workers are significant and deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello."  He was talking about the proof operators who checked back all the tellers work for any possible errors.

That was 31 years ago.  I have never forgotten that valuable lesson and have used the philosophy not just in my career but in every aspect of my life.  There is no unimportant person.  The three proof operators I worked with all those years ago are still close valued friends.