Yesterday, my son came to me with a concern: “Some of my teammates aren’t putting in much effort for our competition,” he said, worried they might lose because of it. “Do you think the teacher will know who’s really working hard?”
I told him, “Just keep giving it your best. Hard work gets noticed eventually.” I added that if he thought it was truly affecting the team, he could politely bring it up with his teacher, but the main focus should be on his own effort. Lead by example, I told him, and others may follow.
This got me thinking about how often we face the same situation in the workplace.
Imagine a young professional tackling a high-stakes project at work, but some teammates aren’t fully committed. As the deadline looms, they start to wonder: Will the project succeed? Will anyone notice who’s really contributing?
In these moments, the advice to my son holds just as true for the workplace: Focus on your own commitment. Keep standards high, and trust that consistency speaks volumes. Leading by example by showing up, giving your best, and staying engaged often influences others more than you realize.
But then comes the decision: Do I mention it to the manager?
If the project is at risk, then yes, it may be worth raising. But approach it carefully. Frame it around the project’s needs, not about specific individuals. And think about ways to lift the team, perhaps by suggesting steps that encourage more engagement.
Ultimately, the lesson is this: Effort is contagious. In the classroom or the office, the impact of showing up fully can inspire others to do the same. When we commit to giving our best, that consistency has a way of standing out, and it’s often the thing that turns an entire team around.
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