Friend of mine told me a story of temping.

One of his duties was to make the coffee. He had the instructions–the recipe–for how to make the coffee.

He made the coffee in the morning and went about his business.

“Are you the one who made the coffee?” the man wanted to know.

“Yes.”

“This is wretchedly strong. You really have to use less grounds. This is undrinkable!”

“Thanks for letting me know.”

Next day, he makes the coffee and goes about his business.

“You made the coffee again this morning?” Same man talking.

“Yes.”

“This stuff is dishwater. You have to use some grounds.”

“Thanks for letting me know.”

Next day, he makes the coffee and goes about his business.

Same man stops him.  “The coffee is good today. Just right.”

“Thanks for letting me know. Glad to hear it.”

Simple story right?

But wait for it…O. Henry lives on.

My friend hadn’t changed how he made the coffee.

I took away from this story that people require something to complain about. Employees require it…like pencils or air conditioning. It’s best to give it to them.

I like the idea of having wretched coffee. Just to provide the needed sense of being put upon that workers cherish so.