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The Professionals?

I used to work at a place with a big industrial level lab. The people that processed the lab work orders (clerical types) were among the lowest paid employees in the plant. With my college degree I was fortunate enough to be among the highest paid non-management types: a professional. When I was told that I would have to take my work down to the lab to submit my work order I was also warned that the lab clerks were a surly lot who liked to sit on your job and generally muck up the works. Needless to say I approached the lab door with some trepidation.

I have to admit, that when I went in there the clerk looked at me like I was the enemy. I went up to the counter and said hello, probably asked some inane question like, “Is this where I drop off my work order?” Probably right under a big sign that read, “WORK ORDERS”. She said it was, and that it would take up to three days to be processed. Oh well. So I handed over my packet, signed the necessary forms, and then said thank you before taking my leave.

I got my work order back a day or two later. I went down, picked it up, and again said, “Thank you.”

The folks up in my office were amazed that I got my job back so soon. Seems this type of work order usually took about a week. Three days, minimum.

As time went by I found out how the professionals up in my office approached the process of turning in work orders. They generally stormed in, barked that they need this processed ASAP, and could you please get a move on. I'm paraphrasing, of course, but they went in with attitude.

And they wondered that their jobs took so long to process?

As long as I worked there I never had a problem with the lab clerks. I always treated them with all the respect and courtesy I would expect. Just because they were low paid did not mean they were beneath me in any way, shape or form.

So much for the professionals.