Lindi Whittemore
Motivational Speech
I know it is hard to get everyone together, so first off, I want to thank you all for taking the time to come to this meeting today. When we try to get all of our employees together, it is usually for a very important reason, so I will keep you all in suspense no longer. We are all here today because we have come across a problem. When reviewing the last month customer comment cards, we found that customer complaints are up by 30%. Guys, this is not a good thing. So I have brought you all here to address the problem and tell you how we are going to fix it together. These complaints range from a need to update workout equipment to adjusting the attitude of our employees. And I am going to discuss them all.
First I would like to remind you all why we are here. I want you all to close your eyes and think for a minute, why did you decide to apply for a job at the YMCA. Was it because your friends worked here, or because you agreed with our principles and beliefs and felt like this was the place for you? Now that you know why you came here, think about why you are still here. I know it is not the money… so why? Do you love the kids? Are you working with friends? What keeps you working at the YMCA?
Now I am going to tell you about the complaints that we have received. Let me read this one to you. “My name is Jan Brady. When I first started working out at the YMCA 3 years ago, the staff was friendly, everyone would say hello, whether they were front desk staff or not, and the facilities were always clean and well kept. Now, 3 years later, when I walk in, I am never greeted, the machines are never wiped down, the bathrooms are always dirty with mold and mildew, and I never see a smiling face… I don’t look forward to coming here anymore. What has happened?” Let me read you another comment card I received… “My child Lindsey had been going to your summer camp and after school program for a couple of years. Just recently she has come home complaining that the staff is hardly ever willing to help her with her homework, that they only let the kids play for 30 minutes and the rest of the time they make them be quiet and watch movies. This hurts my heart. I enrolled her in the program so that she would be able to socialize with other kids, and receiver positive influence and guidance from the counselors, and I feel that she is not getting that. If the program does not improve, I will be forced to send her to another aftercare program.” When I read these comments, my heart sank. All the sudden, I realized that we are not doing our job. And it is not just one area of the staff, it is everyone.
Guys, I am not going to sit here and tell you why I am disappointed. I feel that is evident from these comments, and I hope that you all are as disappointed as I am. And these are not the only ones; there are many others that I did not even read to you.
The problem is not with our facilities as much as it is with you guys. You should take pride in working here, and obviously you aren’t. If you were, it would show. But also, maybe we as your employer are not doing our job either.
Now think back to what I asked you to do earlier which is remember why you are working here, and what brought you here in the first place. Does that apply anymore? Are you all still happy working here? I am aware that some things need to change, such as more days off, more functions together outside of work, and better working environment. And I am already starting to work on that. I have ordered 4 new machines for the workout area, a new set of free weights and we are going to fix all of the machines that are broken. I have also fired our janitorial company and hired a new and better one. But that is not enough guys; we have to fix the attitudes of you.
I am placing a comment box in the employee lounge. This is where you guys can suggest facility and staff improvements. This will be done anonymously, so do not be afraid to say what you think. We need to fix these problems and I need your help to do so. Also I will be placing a special schedule request book for each department in the lounge. This is where you will request days off and let your manager know of your personal schedule changes. We will also be having monthly meeting to evaluate comment cards and progress. These are mandatory so make sure that you a lot time to be able to attend. Last but not least, I will be hiring 20-30 new employees in the next month to cover our scheduling needs, and to give you guys more days off. So make sure that you guys are informative and courteous to them. They are going to help us make this YMCA a better place to work.
So now that we have new machines, new employees and new ways to suggest improvements, I ask that you guys search your own hearts. I need a commitment from you all to be the best staff that you can be; and I am sure that some of you are not ready to do that. You were all hired because we saw the love of God in you that has lead you here to serve. We are here first and foremost to glorify Him, and right now, our attitudes are showing other employees and customers a contrary heart.
Remember why you came here and why you are still here, and make sure that this is the place for you. If you decide that you are not growing and thriving here, then maybe it is time for you to move on and I am sure that there is somewhere that will be much better for you. We were founded on our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Love for God, and if we are not showing others that, then we are not doing our jobs. Over the next month, each employee will be evaluated. We need to see where you personal progress as our employee is. Evaluations can be both beneficial and frustrating, so I urge you all once again, search your hearts and make sure that you are not only upholding our values, but also decipher if the YMCA is the place for you.
Thanks for coming. See you all again next month.