Expressions of gratitude are appropriate regarding those people and institutions that have sheltered our lives and continue to contribute to the flourishing of this community. Gratitude focused on local individuals and institutions is best because it can be clear and distinct, whereas a focus far away is often abstract and transitory. Earlier columns have been in praise of our farmers, teachers, pastors, volunteers, and good neighbors. This column is an expression of gratitude for the people who work in the Crawfordsville City Departments.
The experience that triggered this column was a recent pleasant and effective interaction with the staff of the Crawfordsville Street and Sanitation Department. An expression of gratitude for their good work led to brief comments indicating some people express gratitude. Others only criticize and complain. Departmental staff works at demanding tasks across the city all year. Danger is present when they fill potholes, clean streets, clean drains, collect leaves, and pick up trash. “Neither snow nor rain, nor sleet, nor hail, shall keep them from their appointed rounds,” nor blistering heat, nor winds cause retreat to safety and warmth. Heavy physical labor is required that most of us could not do. Imagine what your street would look like without their good work and the ugly and toxic trash piling up.
The city has several departments and employs many of our neighbors who work every day to make our lives better. Virtually every problem and opportunity we and the city face become a topic and worksheet for someone in the City Building. Our mayor has demanding responsibility for shaping policies, collaborating with our city employees, and inspiring other leaders, groups, and organizations to preserve our city as a good place to live and work. Nevertheless, criticism of the departments surface; damned if they do and damned if they don’t. It is too expensive; the potholes are dangerous and last too long; workers are freeloaders; taxes are too high; you should have known wind would bring that huge tree limb down across our street, and such grumbling. Our pervasive ethos of mistrust and antagonism to government complicates planning and actions for the flourishing of our community and our neighbors. The ethos fosters some social pathologies. We need to deflect the negative ethos in dealings with those who work for us in the public sector.
One could start with some relatively simple positive actions.
Approach people in the city building with a smile and respect. Lead with trust rather than suspicion.
Be quick to say “thank you” for good work.
Make their jobs easier in any way possible. For example, make it easier for the worker to handle your trash bags. Provide information about your neighborhood that might assist fire fighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, park leaders, and others.
Present any problem as a request for assistance rather than as complaint and criticism. Negativity generates resentment and rarely promote positive engagement and effective response. Guilt is not a great motivator.
Support reasonable wages and safe equipment for good city employees even if it means a reasonable increase in our taxes.
Write positive commendations when deserved. Unfortunately, those who do good work are often anonymous, nameless, faceless, and untrumpeted. Pause before venting about dissatisfactions and frustrations.
Take time regularly to consider those people good work provides shelter for your flourishing. You will be happier, and your life will be more pleasant and productive.
Raymond Brady Williams, Crawfordsville, LaFollette Distinguished Professor in the Humanities emeritus, contributed this guest column.
