What an amazing world this would be if
everyone could be convinced suddenly that “service is my business.” The
discontents and the discord would melt away. The mountainous problems that
hamper production and distribution would become soluble. Teamwork would
replace suspicion and frustration. Imagine a factory, an office, or a
retail store where everyone lived vocational service, spontaneously and
without affection, as a natural way of living. What a pleasure to be
associated in any way, as a competitor or a customer, with such an
institution !
Rotarians who consider seriously the possibility of helping to realize
this dream are well aware of the difficulties. They recognize them as they
exist in their own personalities and in those with whom they seek to
co-operate. Selfishness—prejudice—fear—are built into so many of us by
harsh experience, perhaps, or by early training. However we got that way,
it makes it very difficult for us to live consistently as if service were
our business.
But, if we really want to realize this dream, it would seem that the most
hopeful subject would be the new generation of workers just entering upon
their careers. To these youngsters, the idea that service is my business
will hold intriguing possibilities. Beneath any protective veneer of cheap
cynicism he or she may have accumulated, youth is idealistic. As they
enter business life the will to believe is strong, hopes are high. What an
opportunity to serve society has the employer of these young hopefuls—an
opportunity that can be seized energetically, but too often is woefully
ignored.
The program planning committee of Rotary International has recommended
that the following statement be brought to the attention of all Rotarians
who are employers of youth.
1. That every Rotarian engaged in industry and who is the employer of
adolescent young persons and/or engages the services of youth direct from
school, should constitute himself the friend and advisor, especially
during working hours, of each such person in his employ, whether it be in
the workshop, factory, or office.
2. It is suggested that he should, to this end, interview personally each
young person being considered for employment or already employed and
explain:
(a) The difference between work as a means of earning a living and work as
a way of living a life;
(b) The importance to himself and to the community of the new phase of
life into which the youth has entered;
(c) The fact that real and practical education and learning begins and
does not end upon leaving school;
(d) That the acquiring of further academic and scientific knowledge is an
essential addition to vocational activities and skill in order to be a
success in life and vocation;
(e) That immense satisfaction and happiness are attainable from the effort
to improve one's knowledge and education and that such effort, when added
to good conduct and character, rarely fails to produce material as well as
spiritual well-being;
(f) That the Rotarian employer is personally interested in him or her and
may be regarded as a real friend and advisor.
3. That each Rotarian employer of youth should take an active interest in
the physical welfare of those employes, encouraging them to join
physical-fitness classes, etc.
4. That each Rotarian employer of youth (especially of school-leavers)
should encourage such young persons to take advantage of the facilities
available in almost every town and city for continued education in day
school or at evening classes.
5. That the Rotarian should make a special point of seeing that such
youth, upon joining his firm or company, are placed under the charge of
foremen or directive employees who will and can guide them in the
acquisition of good habits and manner of work leading to the development
of skill and interest in their work.
6. That the Rotarian's personal interest in the youth be expressed, if
possible, to their parents and the utmost encouragement and co-operation
of the latter be sought.
Many Rotarians are attempting to apply these suggestions methodically in
their own enterprises, just as many Rotary clubs are organizing
occupational information by their members for youth who are choosing a
career. By a recent decision of the board of directors of Rotary
International, these club projects are considered as vocational service—if
the information includes definite explanations of the concept of service
in each occupation.
The employer who says to himself, "Service is my business" and really
believes it, will interest himself in the youth he employs and in more
ways than any set of recommendations can outline. He will regard these
young people, not as mere means of production, but as ends in themselves,
as constituting a part at least of the purpose of his business. His
business may be the building of great cranes to lift the burdens of
humanity, but just as surely he is also building lives. Future generations
will witness how well he has built.
Are you developing cordial, helpful relations with the younger
employees in your business?
