QUESTION: I always try to do quality work but often encounter people and situations where often I have to put up with shoddy work or unprofessional attitudes. How do I then reconcile or adapt myself to such situations?
It is often disconcerting to encounter shoddy work, or put up with work that has not been given due attention and respect. However, life is a heady mix of diverse opinions, attitudes, beliefs and ideals, and it is this diversity which lends vitality to life. Therefore, it is unfair to expect everyone to conform to our vision or expression of quality. But inherent in all this diversity is also the innate freedom to every individual to express himself in a manner he sees fit. So I would suggest, let your work be an expression of who you are and not a reaction to other people’s self-expressions. Secondly, the best way to influence is by example. Once you persist in making quality a core principle of your personal brand, you will either start leading people by your example or start to encounter more and more people who mirror your values towards quality.