When Work Ethic Walks Out the Door: A Hard Look at Expectations, Effort, and Economics

"When work ethic walks out the door, so does opportunity. Excellence ignored is money lost.” — Marcus “MD” Taylor

It still amazes me—how we live in a society where individuals who choose to rob, steal, or coast through life will still find reasons to be angry at those who have risen economically. Angry not because they were denied opportunity, but because they aren't on the same level of income or status as those who worked—who built, who sacrificed, who earned their way forward.

There’s an increasing population of people who seem to be working just because they have to—not because they value the work or take pride in doing it well. Many aren’t pushing toward excellence. They’re merely clocking in, chasing comfort, or worse, waiting to be taken care of—by the government, by someone with more, or by luck. They want the lifestyle but not the labor. That mindset breeds entitlement, not empowerment. And when it collides with the narrative of oppression, it’s wrapped in a frustrating veil of victimhood.

A Personal Experience: Money Walks When Excellence Sits Still

Just the other day, I walked into a Black-owned barbershop near my home. No appointment—just a walk-in. I stepped in, made eye contact, and sat quietly, waiting to be acknowledged. Ten minutes. Nothing. No “What’s up?” No “Be with you in a moment.” Just loud conversation and laughter from the back.

Now, I wasn’t there for a quick $20 cut. I was planning to spend close to $80 for a full grooming service. But the lack of acknowledgment alone told me everything I needed to know.

So I left.

This isn’t about entitlement. It’s about basic service. And unfortunately, this wasn’t an isolated incident. I’ve had similar experiences in different states, different cities, and different industries—all within my own community.

That hurts.

Because when I shop outside my community, I might get odd looks—but I get service. When I support my own, I often get greeted with indifference. We can't build legacies on vibes and culture alone. Excellence has to meet us at the door.

A Story Worth Sharing: Black Excellence Without Compromise

Let me share a story of contrast.

I had an acquaintance who owned both a barbershop and a beauty salon. He was Black, proud, and serious about his business. He held very high standards—for hygiene, professionalism, scheduling, customer service, and appearance. His family worked there. My family went there. The environment was top-tier.

But some of his own employees complained, saying he was “acting white.”

Let that sink in.

Because he demanded excellence, because he expected professionalism, because he served not only Black clients but people of all backgrounds, he was accused of abandoning his culture.

What they didn’t understand—and what he modeled beautifully—was this: You can serve our community and the community at large without compromising your culture or your standards.

His business was Black-owned. His leadership was unapologetic. His clientele was diverse. And his service was excellent. That’s not "acting white." That’s acting right.

We need more of that energy.

Biblical Principles to Reframe the Mindset

Here’s where I want to shift from frustration to foundation. Because we are a people of promise, not pity.

1. Work Ethic is Worship

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”—Colossians 3:23 (ESV)

Business owners, you’re not just cutting hair, cooking food, or selling products. You are operating a service that reflects your stewardship, your character, and yes—your spiritual maturity. Mediocrity isn’t a business problem—it’s a heart posture problem.

2. Service is a Seed

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.”—Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Every time you greet a customer, every time you exceed expectations, you're planting a seed. The harvest is not just in dollars—it’s in reputation, referrals, and repeat business. If you sow laziness, you reap lack.

3. Faith Without Works is Dead

“You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.”—James 2:24 (NIV)

You can’t pray for blessings and then ignore the behaviors that produce them. You want Black wealth? Black excellence? Black generational legacy? Then excellence must become your minimum, not your maximum.

Guided Steps for Business Owners Who Want to Grow

If you’ve found yourself or your business in the mirror of this message, here’s how to move forward—with dignity, clarity, and strategy.

1. Audit Your Customer Experience

   • Walk through your customer journey from start to finish.

   • Ask: “Would I spend $80 here if I were the client?”

   • Implement greeting scripts, follow-up systems, and feedback loops.

   
   

2. Train Your Team Like You’re Building a Franchise

   • Set service standards and enforce them.

   • Don’t just hire “homies” or “people you know”—train professionals.

   • Make punctuality, communication, and cleanliness non-negotiables.

   
   

3. Invest in Professional Development

   • Attend workshops, seminars, or webinars on business growth.

   • Follow mentors or business owners who’ve built scalable models.

   • Join your local Chamber of Commerce or Black business network.

   
   

4. Own the Space with Presence and Purpose

   • Whether you’re selling products, cutting hair, or consulting—own the space.

   • Don’t hide in the back. Be seen. Be heard. Be intentional.

   • Speak life into your customers. Create an experience.

   
   

5. Develop a “Five Star” Culture

   • Ask for reviews—but more importantly, earn them.

   • Model your business after Chick-fil-A’s service, Apple’s polish, or your own highest standard.

   • Be proud of your culture, but let character be your brand.

Final Thought: Excellence is the Real Reparations

We can’t just ask for support—we have to command it by how we show up.

We can’t just talk about breaking generational curses—we must break poor habits, poor service, and poor attitudes.

We are capable of so much more than being seen—we were made to lead. But we must lead with excellence, not excuses.

To the Black business owners reading this: I want to see you win. Truly. I want to spend my money with you. I want to refer you. I want to support your vision. But not at the cost of my standards. And certainly not at the expense of what we all know we’re capable of.

The goal is not to survive on support. The goal is to thrive on excellence.

Let’s raise the bar.

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