I had been in the business world for over thirty (30) years. I’ve worked with
different types of people with distinct characters and I’ve associated
with them throughout my years. The only setback was working with people
who were not ardent enough with their assigned jobs and keeps on chasing their tails. Even though
they’ve got a whole bag of tricks
while they explore all avenues for
success, they still cut the ground from
under my feet by not delivering the
goods.
That’s why this time around before I’ll venture into opening up a
new business in New York, I have got to have some lists for my ideal
employees. First, I have to go over their backgrounds and work experiences with
a fine-tooth comb. I don’t need to fast track things because I mean business here. If I don’t do some
background check on my future employees, I might lose all my capital.
Second, I need employees who know how to get their ducks in a row and
keep their fingers on the pulse to further my business. I don’t need
them to know all the tricks of the trade.
All I want from them is to work hard with all honesty and perseverance.
They also don’t have to think on their
feet when dealing with difficult situations; another set of the team will
handle those issues.
And last, I want them to sail
through this business not as an individual but as a whole. I want teamwork
here especially when it comes to doing some arduous tasks. I don’t want
some of my employees to be left behind but rather, I want them to know that we
are a family, we help each other, and we are one. So let’s get the show on the road and do some acid tests with the applicants.
by Gracelyn
VOCABULARY WORDS
distinct /dɪˈstɪŋkt/ -
adjective - clearly separate and different
associated
/əˈsoʊ.si.eɪ.t̬ɪd/ - adjective - connected
setback
/ˈsetˌbæk/ - noun - something that causes delay or stops progress
ardent
/ˈɑr·dənt/ - adjective
- showing strong feelings; eager
venture
/ˈven·tʃər/ - verb - to risk going somewhere or doing something that
might be dangerous or unpleasant, often in business
ideal
/ɑɪˈdil, --ˈdi·əl/ - adjective
- perfect, or the best possible
capital
/ˈkæp·ɪ·t̬əl/ -
noun - wealth, especially money used to produce more wealth through investment or a
new business
further
/ˈfɜr·ðər/ - adjective/adverb - more, extra, or additional; comparative
of far
perseverance /ˌpɝː.səˈvɪr.əns/ - noun - continued effort and determination
arduous
/ˈɑr·dʒu·əs/ - adjective - difficult and tiring, or needing a great deal of effort
IDIOMS IN THE STORY
acid
test
– the proof of the value of something, or the standard that something must meet in order to prove its value
cut
the ground from under Sbs feet - to make someone or someone's ideas seem less good, especially by doing something before
them or better than them
be chasing one’s tail - to be busy doing
a lot of things but achieving very little
a whole bag of tricks - set of clever skills, techniques, items of
information, or other resources used to help achieve professional or personal
goals
deliver the goods - provide what is promised or expected
fine-tooth
comb
- examine it in great detail and with great care
explore all avenues - Try out every possibility to get a result
fast track Sth - a very quick way of achieving something or dealing with something
to get one’s ducks in a row - Get one’s things well organized
get the show on the road - put up a plan or idea into action
keep your fingers on the pulse - Be constantly aware of the most recent developments
mean business - to be serious about taking action and what you announce
think on one’s feet - react to events decisively, effectively, and
without prior thought or planning
sail through Sth - to
succeed very easily in something
especially in difficulty
tricks
of the trade
- Clever methods or expert way of doing
a better or faster job
COMPREHENSION
1. If you are a manager, what is your ideal employee?
2. If you are an employee or a student, what are the set of characteristics that makes you become a better person in your field? And what are some characteristics that you don't wish to have?
3. Do you dream of starting a business one day? What kind and where?
4. What type of people do you wish to employ in your business?
5. What kind of boss will you be?
