An Essay

Accept Challenges

From Nursery Lessons, Book One · Shane Michelli

I can't tell you how many times I have heard, “that's not in my job description” or “that's above my pay grade.” I can tell you one of the most common traits of successful people is their willingness to take on challenging tasks or work outside of their comfort zone.

During my early days at Louisiana Nursery, there was never a time when I would pass the opportunity to work extra hours. I grew up around the construction trade, specifically carpentry. At LNO, carpentry skills were sometimes in demand. However, they were generally not part of the entry level worker's tool chest. For this reason I was afforded as many hours as one could safely perform.

My first meaningful encounter with Roger Mayes occurred in my second week on the job. As I was clocking out after a 9-hour day, Roger stopped me and asked me if I would be interested in solving a customer dilemma. A 12-foot live-cut Christmas tree, already decorated, had fallen over in a customer's home; removing and replacing was not high on the list of alternatives. It was a wooden stand failure.

I agreed, without knowing what I was getting myself into. Sparing the details, we were able to remedy the situation, decorations and all. This became the foundation for how things would go for the next several years: Roger challenging, me accepting.