How a Little Boy's Clever Self-Appraisal Reveals a Truth About Employee Recognition

Hi all, here I will present an interesting short story of self-appraisal. Enjoy!

A little boy went to a telephone booth which was at the cash counter of a store and dialed a number.

The store-owner observed and listened to the conversation:

Boy: "Lady, can you give me the job of cutting your lawn?"

Woman (at the other end of the phone line): "I already have someone to cut my lawn."

Boy: "Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price than the person who cuts your lawn now."

Woman: "I'm very satisfied with the person who is presently cutting my lawn."

Boy (with more perseverance): "Lady, I'll even sweep the floor and the stairs of your house for free."

Woman: No, thank you.

With a smile on his face, the little boy replaced the receiver. The store-owner, who was listening to all this, walked over to the boy.

Store Owner: "Son... I like your attitude; I like that positive spirit and would like to offer you a job."

Boy: "No thanks."

Store Owner: "But you were really pleading for one."

Boy: "No, sir, I was just checking my performance at the job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady I was talking to!"

This is called "Self Appraisal."

As a natural corollary: How many employers would appreciate and realize the good work of an employee? (My Answer: NO ONE!)

You are right, Ms. Kokila. Nowadays, they don't care about performance; all they want is to save money, which they think will accommodate them inside the graveyard.

It is an interesting story and definitely sounds real to me. Regarding the employer and employee's perspective—each to their own. Why I say this is that there are all kinds of people and employers in the world. But at the same time, I feel that the 'Performance angle' is surely coming, and more and more companies would value performance over cost-cutting if they have a broader and long-term perspective.