GUEST COLUMN:

You’re never a hero in your own home(town)

Introduce yourself to almost anyone who lives here, and ask where they’re from. Most often, residents name somewhere else. There could be any number of reasons for this, but I suspect it’s a result of a lack of pride in being a Las Vegan. Even those who have lived here for 15 years often see themselves as just passing through. Having lived in Southern Nevada for more than 10 myself, I find this phenomenon a bit sad. I believe it contributes to the area’s — and, specifically, Las Vegas’ — image problem.

Las Vegas is in the national news frequently, and usually not in a good way. There’s no shortage of news pieces on how low our schools rank, how bad our health care system is; how terrible our teachers and medical professionals must feel every day about their chosen careers. It must be difficult for them to go to work when their community is bashing them.

I come from a Midwest community that has one of the greatest medical systems in the world; however, all the doctors who’ve seen me in Southern Nevada have been just as capable. (By the way, the citizens of that Midwest community do not live any longer than Southern Nevada residents.) Our community is what we make it.

The same goes for any business, whether it’s a one-man (or -woman) shop or a multilocation conglomerate. Leadership starts from the top.

Companies that don’t create a positive sense of community and/or don’t encourage employees to get involved in their community do themselves a disservice. When one truly feels a part of something, extraordinary efforts are put forth to make the community (or business) better.

Sometimes, when business owners want to hire for top-level positions, they seek outside talent. Professionals from other metropolitan areas are seen as more prestigious, and hiring them carries a perceived cachet. Personally, I have been impressed with the UNLV graduates I have met. And remember, the majority of Southern Nevadans are not from here; they had the same education as the outsiders you would pay a premium to relocate.

Existing employees who are, under the veil of equal opportunity, given the chance to apply are frequently denied because of the perception that local equals “not good enough.”

People usually adhere to the expectations set for them. Set the bar high, and most will meet it. Set the bar low, however, and you’re likely to have that standard met as well.

So I implore you, whether you’re leading our community or your own business, to think about the filter through which you’re running your verbal and nonverbal communication. If your fallback position isn’t one of optimism and enthusiasm, try changing your tone. You might be surprised at how different you see the world around you when you take part in lifting it up.

Michael C. DiAsio serves as president and co-owner of the Las Vegas/Henderson Visiting Angels franchise.

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