It’s Not My Job

One of the most asinine phrases that can grace my ears is “thats not my job”.

This past week, while in New York City, I heard that this is the mentality of people that live and work in the city. Keeping your head down, make no eye contact and don’t acknowledge anyone you don’t know.

This got me thinking: is this a mentality generational, regional or something else?

First, let me state that I have absolutely zero data points behind this. It is simply observational.

Second, I don’t think everyone feels this way so if you’re going to pounce on me for generalizing, just go away.

Lastly, I want this to be a conversation about how to make things better, because that’s all that really matters.

Waiting in a New York City lobby, my team and I arrived early. No receptionist was in at that time and our contact was running late.

As we waited in the area, no less than a dozen employees walked by us, some we even helped with the door. Of those dozen or so individuals, only two acknowledged our presence and one asked if we needed anything.

Of course, I decided to be vocal about it with my team to open a dialogue about this behavior. I was met with an ideaology that just didn’t compute.

“It’s not their job”

“In NYC, you just don’t talk to people you don’t know” (mind you, we weren’t on the streets of Times Square with millions of strangers. This was their office.)

Growing up on the East coast, I was told that I “don’t get it because you never lived in NYC.”

Maybe not, but I learned respect from a young age. In a society in which we, collectively, want more respect from our neighbors, colleagues, employers and political leaders, how can this mentality exist?

Those who do things without being told, earn the most.

Was it your job in November 2016?

Was it your job to say something if you see something?

If it’s not your job, then why do you have one?

What other ways have you killed “INMJ” in your organization? I’d love to hear your stories!