Work Hard, Be Nice!

Sterling Grade School has a really simple slogan that they encourage their students to live by, “work hard, be nice”! Simple, huh? Grade school-aged students need simple. Truth be told, we all need simple! Something so easy that anyone, any age can do. You would think that people wouldn’t have to be reminded to work hard and be nice. Truth be told, even adults need reminded…some more than others!

Working hard demonstrates a hunger…a hunger to do better, a hunger to make the organization better, a hunger to help others carry the load. Hungry people are always looking for more. People that work hard are quick to earn the respect of others. They are fun to have on your team because they get stuff done!

Being nice is contagious. Being nice requires humility…a willingness to raise others up. Of all human behavior, being nice in my opinion should be at the top of the list. Being nice will earn the respect of others quicker than anything else. It doesn’t take any special talent or hard work. It does however require attention. Pay attention to those around you…what can you do to be nice to them? It can be as simple as a smile, a kind word, or a sincere offer of assistance. It could mean standing up for someone…when others are mean or try to tear someone down, stand up for them…let others know you won’t accept that kind of behavior.

A slogan that is so simple, yet so critical. Sometimes we get so caught up in our complicated adult-world that we forget the simple things. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all just worked a little harder and were a little nicer?