because everyone has their idea and no one is completely right or honest enough to say they do not have all the answers Ed Samson 1/6/2012 In my opinion, nothing good will come from discussing this topic. Religion has been behind many wars in this world and it is not likely that this forum will resolve any issues. For those who wish to enter the fray, “Bring it on,” as Garth said. Garth 1/9/2012 Going back to the original post: “Bringing spirituality into the culture of business will not only enhance the quality of individual working lives, but also drastically alter the broader conduct of business across the planet.” Does everyone else disagree with this premise? If so, I will also stand alone, for I do believe that spirituality will enhance the quality of individual working lives. And, I hope for a day when it does indeed alter the conduct of business across the planet. The greatest lesson I have learned in this business happened one morning at 5 a.m. some 20 years ago while cleaning toilets. An old man I had never seen before, nor ever saw again, stood in the doorway watching me. After a few minutes, he asked what I was doing. “Cleaning toilets,” I responded. “No, you are not,” came his answer. When I asked what he thought I was doing, he said — and I will never forget — “You are creating attitudes.” Whenever someone asks me what I do, that is what I answer: “I create attitudes.” CM Garth 1/5/2012 David, You mean it isn’t? I think there are a lot of people who take their politics more seri-ously than their religion. Ken Galo 1/7/2012 Ken Galo 1/6/2012 So, following the line of total acceptance, tolerance and observance, I will end up giving paid holidays on the summer and winter solstice because every employee will suddenly become a Wiccan? We are in the cleaning business; we dust desks, sweep floors, vacuum rugs, etc. Use your own time to stump for candi-dates or for following your spiritual path. See you in Valhalla. There are no repercussions for discussions and, obviously, I cannot see or hear every conversation taking place in every building every night. Our policy is open tolerance, but we will not allow employees to use work time to distribute pamphlets, literature or any other item that promotes anything from Avon to Stonehenge worship. Again, you’re here to clean. In the parking lot, you can light all the candles and incense you want to your political or religious deity; that’s your time, not mine. I’m with you Ed; it’s why we push to avoid any pushing at work. Some folks just don’t know when to quit. Past experience with a diverse workforce has proven that some topics just do not belong in the workplace where you run the risk of offending co-workers. Garth 1/6/2012 I’m curious Ken: What are the consequenc-es if employees do discuss such topics while on the job? And, if politics and religion are taboo, what about sports, war and community involvement — all of which can cause some emotional responses? Do you really expect people to become autobots; do you really want that? It almost sounds like you are against the First Amendment, which I find hard to believe. Please clarify, because that is what it sounds like. I don’t know you, except what I have read through the years of your responses on this board; this doesn’t come across as reason-able as most of your responses. Get involved To access the CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management Online ™ bulletin board, go to www.cmmonline.com and click on the green bulletin board button near the top of the page. CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management Online ™ viewers as well as CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® magazine readers are encouraged to submit letters to the editor on topics of interest to the professional cleaning and maintenance industry. Send letters to the editor to [email protected]. Joseph Russell 1/9/2012 Some people say, “There ain’t no hell,” while others say, “The hell there ain’t.” Beliefs are usually non-negotiable until the day comes when you get knocked off your horse by a cross in the sky. The discussion is futile anywhere outside your church or Sunday school. Everywhere else, follow the gospel of John and Paul: Let It Be. www.cmmonline.com 7
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