Good-bye Jeannette; The Power of The Hand-Written Word
5:09 PM July 12, 2009
Quick, in this economy, name anyone you know who has left their existing job, for a job that pays better and may arguably be with a better company. In times like these, the few who have "traded up" deserve our admiration and perhaps there are lessons we can learn.
At KTLA, the young woman, Jeannette, who has produced our early-edition 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. newscasts said so-long on Friday. Our loss is KABC's gain; and while I like our Morning News much better than the cookie-cutter quality of 'Eyewitness News'; there is no denying that ABC/Disney is over-all in considerably better corporate shape than our parent company Tribune, currently going through the bankruptcy process.
So how did Jeannette get a better job, paying more money in this environment?
Simple. Day in and day out, she did her job extraordinarily well; with no drama or conflict. The fact that she was calm, cool and collected was not lost on any of us; nor, apparently was it it lost on our competition. If you are good, really good, people notice.
And I especially noticed this. On Friday, her last day, Jeannette brought in hand-written notes for virtually each and every person she worked with. The note she wrote to me was wonderful. Thoughtful, warm, personal, and funny. I will save it and refer to it often. It will not only remind me of a colleague and a friend I will miss; it reminds me that when and if I am in a position to hire someone; I'll want someone who has the exact same qualities as someone who would be kind enough, and let's be honest, smart enough, to say good-bye in such a wise and classy way.
Almost all the reading and writing we all do is on electronic screens. Because they are increasingly rare, the power and impact of the hand-written word cannot be overstated.
Good-bye Jeannette, as you wrote to me, I truly hope our paths cross again.
Posted by Sam Rubin | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Hello Sam,
What a wonder story, and how uplifting to hear that good honest work does get you noticed.
I am a elementary school teacher, and I try to instill this in my young charges all the time. Work as if God is watching you, and you'll be fine. I have met many people who come from all walks of life and perform all types of jobs, only to notice that far too many people aren't taking pride in the work they do. All the qualities you mentioned are certainly not lacking in my classroom, as my kids are learning to take pride in a job well done. Even if that means, being a trash monitor, or doing some disliked job.
And I couldn't agree with you more on our lack of using long-hand--recently I purchased several boxes of note cards, only to have the sales clerk ask if I planned on doing some writing. I mentioned that I have a habit of dropping notes to students and colleagues as well. She appeared bewildered; now I know why.
Lastly, since I am on summer break I get to watch the entire show, something I seldom get to do during regular session. Thanks for the great job, and for helping this teacher get off to a good start!
Posted by: Alex Camarillo (veteran viewer) | 07/27/2009 at 08:48 AM
LR,
You didn't say what the reason your boss give you for letting you go. Was it due to business being down, and they were going to consolidate sales territories as a cost savings? Was the "older" person who is replacing you been with the company longer? The fact that your boss went to the trouble to tell you in person showed they did think well of you. I know it's hard, but try and get over your anger and bitterness. It won't help you land a new job. And landing a new job is the best thing you can do right now for you and your husband. For every door that closes, another opens. Best of luck to you on your job search.
Posted by: Dave | 07/15/2009 at 10:31 PM
It's nice to know that the people that were around us appreciated what we did it, how we did it and have the time for thank them before we leave. I used to work to a big world trade company that have a policy non writen that when the people got the 40's is old, so is time to get very young people and we the olders -like Fusionjazz said- I wasn't given the courtesy of notice that last day. But I'm always telling my kids that how we do our job is how we get the recomendations, the benefits and a big bonus and the keey is simply, work because you like your work, not because the money, the money comes when your work is noticed.
I enjoy every day from 5 to 10 the morning news your concept is different and refreshing, also because all of you have behind a wonderful team working hard. Please said jeannette thank you for a wonderful work she had done.
LR
Have more faith in God, he will give you something much better wait and you'll see. God is with you and he knows how you fell now. I'll pray for you, and I know he is with his hands open holding you. God Bless you.
Posted by: angeles napoles | 07/14/2009 at 10:51 PM
LR:
Sorry to hear of your lost job at such a critical time for your family. Hope you received a layoff package and that you're able to secure care for your husband.
How desperately we need universal heath care in this country. Wish congress/insurance cos/medics/drug cos would stop talking and get it done.
In the meantime, know your pain is heard by others and that we care how you are and what you're experiencing. Be strong. Stay well. God bless.
Posted by: jozielee | 07/13/2009 at 12:41 AM
Should I have felt better, when my boss flew in from across the country to tell me I had been laid off, even though my sales were very good and better yet I had established relationships within my sales territory that had been ruined by the older person who would be replacing me?!
Oh yeah, did I say that I was open with my employer about my husband's cancer (just a few months earlier) and still managed to do my job? Should I have sent pictures of my dying husband to everyone in the company (as a fellow sales person, with worst sales did of his new baby). Could that have saved my job, my family, etc....
What was the cost of her to fly (I'm sure a minimum of business class) and stay at the Hilton at LAX and then invite me for a $10 bagel, which I couldn't choke down after this news. I'm sure I could have been a big girl and taken the news over the phone and an extra $1000+ in my checking account.
I'm glad some people can be happy in these times.
Posted by: LR | 07/12/2009 at 11:01 PM
What happened to the background on your blog page? Perhaps it's only my computer, but I have to Select-The-Text in order to read it.
What a lovely memory to leave people she undoubtedly enjoyed working with on the daily. Best wishes to your friend.
Posted by: jozielee | 07/12/2009 at 07:39 PM
Looks like a personal letter of recommendation. If only all professionals would practice professional courtesy as Jeannette did. When I was laid off, I shook a few hands and said "thank you" for all their help, support and faith in me. I didn't have much time to talk to more people as I wished. I wasn't given the courtesy of notice that last day. It's important to acknowledge all those who've saved your butt, gave you that moral support, showed faith in you when you had none of your own. To thank them as you leave a company shows great credibility. Credibility is key in all businesses. Great blog Sam. Jeannette will go far in her career.
Posted by: Fusionjazz | 07/12/2009 at 07:09 PM