Barry L. Linduff II

Boss: “You arrived 10 minutes late.” Employee: “Yesterday I stayed late finishing that last-minute report.” Boss: “I understand… but rules are rules.” The next day, the employee arrived exactly on time. And at 5:00 p.m. sharp, shut down the computer. No extra emails. No work taken home. If punctuality is non-negotiable, then effort must have boundaries too. Recognition cannot be one-sided. When mistakes are highlighted but dedication is ignored, the real message becomes clear: “Do only what’s required. Nothing more.” Empathy costs nothing. The absence of it? That can cost you everything—especially your best people.