T2, I had an experience in the mid 80's, while managing what was then the largest retail meat outlet in Brisbane. I was 24 and somewhat out of my depth, managing some 25 butchers and 17 girls, however I was and always have been one who is willing to bring the best out of my staff.

There was a guy who was a less than average butcher, however he was your typical 'class clown', so, I created a new role for him, that was to promote and liaise with out customers.

His new role involved dressing as a 'beach bum', complete with hat, sunnies, zinc cream and thongs and he would walk around the customer area talking to customers and generally promoting our products over the PA.

The results were simply amazing as we increased our turnover from around $60,000 per week, up to $95,000 per week, within four to five weeks.

Ironically, the other butchers all complained to the store manager, as they were of the opinion that he was being over paid as he was not butchering.

Despite many attempts to convince the powers to be that we should keep him on, even to the point that I suggested he be employed under a different category, he was sacked and, as our sales declined, some of the butchers who had stuck the knife in, so as to speak, lost their jobs.

Even today, I have a guy who is an average butcher, but has great people skills, so his role is similar to this guys.

The moral of the story is that successful bosses are those who can think outside the square, as such.

Good anecdote Rehctub and I do of course agree with you.

What I have been trying to do with this post Rehctub, is point out the long term effect that failing to enforce entitlements, or not policing rights. This has lots of negative affects on all of us.

As this continues employers, who are the pillars of society, become less competitive. Their competitors whom take advantage of staff by making their workplace more exploitive and therefore reducing wages cost, create a rolling lowest common denominator factor, driving wages down and conditions backwards.

I dont think this is good for the economy Rehctub and bad for morale in general.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

""The results were simply amazing
as we increased our turnover from around $60,000 per week,
up to $95,000 per week,...within four to five weeks.""

ok first thing..clearly
the extra 35.000 bucks
involved the meat cutters...and packers
and counter staff...work more..

than half as much*
as they had to work
making 60,000 of meat to sell

clearly a bonus was called for
[share the proffits]

but no

""Ironically,the other butchers all complained""

hopw copme we are doing his job
and then doing extra work...too
[were working the work of 40 men]

""to the store manager""

your still paying the same rent
and were still getting the same pay

the new car you bought last week
we own a share..,if you knew about fair

""as they were of the opinion
that he was being over paid
as he was not butchering.""

point out to him
he has incrased their work
but not their wage..

it wasnt the spruiker
but the boss