Today was very busy at work. We've rearranged people's days off so that everybody is working on what has become the busiest day of the week. The guy who races on weekends isn't too happy about that. That's really too bad. (Laughing here.)

I get really tired of guys who talk to me about their work and it seems like many of them just go to work to rest up for their hobbies. That's what this guy has been doing. He leaves work early on Saturdays to pursue his car racing, which I can't believe the boss lets him do in the first place. He never picked up his pace at work, even though he was told to on more than one occasion, until these last two weeks.

I cut all of his overtime, which is what he used to offset the financial loss his racing time represents. I had a huge disagreement with the boss about that, in which I ultimately persevered. I told her to let the overtime go to somebody who is actually interested in being there when they're needed.

My thinking seems to have brought about the desired effect, as over the last three weeks whenever he has requested overtime I've answered politely, "No," or "Nope, your help isn't needed." After about a week or so of that he has apparently seen the light and knows that the job isn't just there for his financial convenience. He has actually pitched in and picked up his pace, consistently.

I hope the motivation continues, because I intend to continue with my plan. I see no reason to reward somebody for not being interested in their job, nor do I see a reason to reward somebody who is not a team player.

Ours is not a huge establishment, but it is dependent in no small part on the attitudes of it's employees as teammates, to help create an environment in which everybody can work comfortably together. That sort of thing should be obvious to any adult, whether it's in the workplace, a marriage or even a friendship.