Dignity in Work: a Rarity

In my experience, true "Dignity" is a very rare commodity. When it does, ever so often reveal itself, I find it unmistakable and inspiring. It is not synonymous with fame or wealth, high office or intelligence, in fact it is as likely to be found among a few special people in every walk of life. Other than possessing that radiant, highly desirable quality, the most dignified people I have known have had very little else in common.

Whereas most people work because they have to and that compulsion is reflected in their, not totally responsible, attitude toward their jobs; "Dignified People" treat their vocations and their avocations with respect. That includes the people they encounter along the way. They go about whatever they are doing whole heartily and seek to approximate excellence. They do it, not for applause or recognition by others, but because of some deep seated standard within themselves that they try to bring about in the external world, they are "inner directed".

My most recent encounter with this admirable, hard to describe, abstract quality was personified by a woman who was busing tables at a buffet restaurant in Falls River Mass. My wife and I were returning to Connecticut from Cape Cod. As we progressed through our meal, my attention was drawn to this attractive middle aged woman's working manner and to the sector of the restaurant for which she was responsible. She was quiet and unassuming yet she carried herself upright and with justified confidence. My wife noted that she resembled the actress Liv Ullman. She tried not at all, to demonstrate her value to us. She did not engage in the usual, over the top, tip seeking activities that are designed to provoke guilt in customers because of all that the bus person may be doing on your behalf. She just went about her business with "elan" and efficiency. Her assignment of tables, about forty five, were kept clear of dishes. Unlike elsewhere in the large room, there were no unsightly buildups left for more than a couple of minutes when customers left. She moved swiftly yet unhurriedly. Nothing distracted her and there was no malingering. I had never seen anyone in that role do it so well or so impressively.

On our way out I stopped her in mid elegant flight to tell her what I had observed and commented that she was a perfect role model for how that job should be done. I asked if she did any training of others. She replied she was just filling in today. Ordinarily she is in charge of the baking operation.

The rare quality of "Dignity" shines like a beacon, no matter what the task.