Craftsmen’s work is of the highest quality. Along with exceptional skill it is the quality of the work that sets a craftsman apart. It is the overall quality of their work that makes their work output desirable, it is what sets their reputation. What is your reputation based upon? Does the quality of your work correlate with the highest levels of quality? If not, why not? And if not, what will you do to change that perception?

Craftsmen have great pride in their work. My daughter looked at a painting on our wall last evening and asked who painted it. I pointed to the signature and explained that an artist always signs their work. Craftsmen and artisans take great pride in their work. They sign it. They back it up with their reputation. They re-do the work if necessary – sometimes to standards far above what the customer may need or desire. When we take greater pride in our work we produce better quality work, but at least as importantly we begin to derive more meaning and satisfaction from our work. The pride comes not only from exhibiting our skills but from creating life from our time spent at work.

As you have read the characteristics above you may have continued to think “yes, but” with every line.

“Yes, but it is easier for a craftsman because their work never changes.”

“Yes, but a craftsman hasn’t had to deal with doing their job with new tools higher expectations and more.”

“Yes, but the world is just too different to hold myself to those standards.”

Don’t allow yourself to fall prey to the yes, buts. Look for the lessons, not the excuses. When we think of ourselves as craftsmen – craftspeople – we will reach new heights of success, productivity and satisfaction in our work.

I wish you great success with this new view of your work.

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