certifications and even stories some would rather we did not cover. It is never our intention to demean cus-todial professionals by sharing negative articles. Rather, these types of stories can serve as lessons for us all. The recent story about the custodian allegedly breaking into a safe, for example, can be used to drive a discussion on the need for increased employee monitoring or more thorough and frequent background checks. While I cannot promise similar stories will not be covered in the future, we will remain cognizant of the messages such stories might be delivering about custo-dial and maintenance personnel. — Aaron Baunee, managing editor. us find inspiration — in one or more forms — that assists in helping us do the best we possibly can in every situation, every single day. Posted by: Amanda Martini-Hughes 3/28/2011 We all have them: Special individuals to whom we look up or to whom we look for guidance. They can have influence over not only our personal lives, but our professional lives as well. It can be the way someone lives their life or the attitude they have towards their own career that motivates our thoughts and actions. Whatever it is, they can inspire us to go above and beyond expectations with our daily tasks, maybe even to treat our digni-fied co-workers, friends and family with a touch more respect. Who is your inspiration, that someone or something that pushes you to do better? We Aim To Please You have no idea how much your website means to me or how many people I have referred to it. I simply call it the “best cleaning website in the world.” The CM e-News Daily keeps me up to date with the latest developments in the cleaning world — and it’s free. Tragically, most of us simply could not afford to subscribe if it were not free because our wages are so low. Since becoming a subscriber a few years ago, my confidence and my professional-ism have dramatically improved. — Mark Ashwin, president of Phone Marko of Caloundra, Australia. and bigger company to help support their dreams and aspirations. These are the people who help and sup-port me on a daily basis, and it pushes me to do my part for them. Additionally, though, I seek out sources of inspiration to give me that fire at any given time or day. I have music I listen to, video clips I watch and quotes or passages from books I will read; I use a variety of sources to keep it fresh and meaningful. I know some people have that one person or event that pushes them to be better; but, for me, it’s a large group of things I pull from. A few quotes: “We are what we repeat-edly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” -Aristotle. “A leader is best when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: ‘We did it our-selves.’” — Lao Tzu. MMoberg 4/18/2011 My grandfather is my inspiration; he is such an amazing man. Every day of his life, he has worked hard to make a better life for his family. He was a farmer and also worked on the railroad. He worked long and hard, but has done very well for himself. My grandfather is respected by almost everyone because of his generosity, intel-ligence, compassion, dedication and patience. CM Responses: Aaron Baunee 3/30/2011 Short of making this sound like a Hallmark card, my mother is my inspiration. She was always there when I needed advice or a helping hand growing up and she continues to be saint-like in her uncon-ditional love. I’m willing to bet many of us consider our mother or father — perhaps both — to be our inspiration. Editor’s Note: A recent discussion on the Cleaning & Maintenance Management Online Bulletin Board pertained to finding inspiration. Some individuals are simply self-driven and do not need an inspirational figure. Others, however, seek acceptance and praise from those to whom they look up. Whether it is your favorite song that gives you that extra drive or a movie that makes you feel warm and invincible, nearly all of Get involved 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 profes-sional cleaning and maintenance industry. Send letters to the editor to [email protected] . Brokate Janitorial 4/15/2011 I find inspiration from all sources, and seek it out several times a week to give me added fuel when I know I’m dragging. I get inspired from my wife, my family and co-workers to build a better, smarter www.cmmonline.com 7
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