Employee of the Millenium

The future of our workforce is here . . . and it's looking very promising.

First, Paxton is a great communicator. He doesn't need to send an email, follow-up with a voicemail, and then an irritating instant message. When he needs something . . . he let's us know immediately and directly. He doesn't over-dramatize or underestimate problems, either. Simple, and on-point requests. Food. Diaper. Sleep. Hold me.

Second, Paxton offers 360-degree feedback at a level unparalled. How many times do bosses get real compliments on decision well made? Usually, it's easy to cut through the cheese when it's poured on thick. Paxton's praise is immediate and quick -- making us always feel appreciated. On the other hand, when a problem occurs . . . he is fast to complain. As soon as the problem is resolved --- we get immediate positive reinforcement with his captivating smile or happy cooing.

Third, Paxton reminds us to always have fun . . . even when doing the dirty jobs. Diaper changes are not high on the list of glory jobs, and falls under 'other duties (or doodies, heh heh) as assigned.' But during this time, as Pax smiles at us while we clean him (blissfully unaware, or perhaps intentionally diverting our focus) . . . it makes the task seem to proceed more quickly. Lesson: the dirty jobs still need to be done, but we don't have to do them in misery.

Let's pray that he and his age cohorts retain this effective and honest simplicity as they mature and enter the workplace. Given where we and our immediate predecessors have gotten us today with our current confluence of global financial maladies . . . this may be their only hope.

** very few, if any, child labor laws were broken during the creation of this post. Paxton and Nicole were visiting me at work . . . and we only made him answer a few calls and type a memo (spell-check works wonders).