MLC President Tim has been part of our firm for 23 years. Click here to read his full bio and get to know him better!
At first glance, one of my first jobs couldn’t be more different than my career. However, there are more similarities than first meets the eye. Both involve long hours and sometimes late nights. Both have high-pressure situations, lots of demands, and seemingly not enough time to get all the tasks done. The deadlines in both can be unrelenting; as soon as one is met, another one is created. And both jobs have many variables beyond my control, where all that I can do is focus on what I can control and not worry about the rest. There are also numerous parts that need to come together to meet the objective; certain parts are led by others, making it a team effort. Oh, and both involve food! The job long ago that held great work lessons with similar dynamics? Being a cook in the grill room at Bill Knapp’s restaurant during college.
Being part of a six-person crew, each with a defined role needing to be carried out, provided me the lesson that a lot of activity and coordination are required to produce something that, in the end, is simple. Today, that lesson helps me set aside the busyness and less valuable activity and focus on the important and productive items. When I’m successful in doing so, the workday becomes simple.
While the working dynamics of being a short-order cook are transferable to the lobbying environment, fortunately, I was able to leave other things behind. No more paper hats and unfashionable aprons. No waitresses yelling “where’s my order?!” through the kitchen window.
And of course, going home at the end of the day without carrying kitchen odors with me.
So, I’ll raise a glass to the civil work environment we are fortunate to be surrounded by.
Reach out to MLC to learn how Tim can utilize his years of experience to help you achieve your goals in Michigan.
