This is a sign that hangs on the wall out on our shop floor at Adams Automatic, Inc. and it has for years. I can’t take credit for it as it was hung up well before my time, but I certainly don’t have any plans of taking it down. I think it’s an appropriate reminder that our actions and our attitude do in fact make a difference…but is it a positive or a negative one?

Typically, the reaction when someone reads a sign like this is a positive one. They feel it’s encouraging and supportive, and that is the intention. However, the statement on it’s own really does not have a positive or a negative meaning. It is simply a statement…”You Make a Difference”.

I am always sure to point this out to anyone that sees this for the first time. I’ve made the point when giving the nickel tour, during an interview, or during the time a candidate or a student might be shadowing with us. I tell them that you do make a difference here, but whether it is a positive or a negative difference is up to you. Our actions make a difference to the people and the environment around us. People do not want to spend their day with unhappy, grumpy coworkers who are there to “punch the clock” and complain about “all of the things that make their day terrible”.

At Adams Automatic, Inc. I explain it is expected that we are professional, ethical, and courteous to our customers both internal and external. This leads to a more positive experience for everyone involved. This helps to contribute to the culture that we want to continue to develop and cultivate. It also promotes a sense of accomplishment, a sense that we’re contributing to something other than ourselves. At the end of the day, I think we all want to feel like we make a difference.