Oh! The Places I’ve Been

One of my many idiosyncrasies is a collection of shot glasses that are displayed behind the bar in our downstairs living area.  Despite the words “shot glasses” and “bar” and the surprising quantity (uh, there are presently 99), I wouldn’t call myself a big drinker.  An occasional cold beer (typically at a casual dining restaurant when all 3 kids are in tow.  Hmm) or a nice Tennessee tea, and that’s about it.  Being southern, I enjoy Jim and Jack, but there’s more effort involved with an evening constitutional than I care to expend.  Chocolate takes no effort atall. 

But I enjoy those shot glasses and look forward to building another display to showcase more of them, as I’m about out of space.  The styles run from cheesey boot-shaped plastic from Texas to delicately painted porcelain from Holland.  Friends, relatives and co-workers alike have all made contributions and remember my penchant for the quirky when they travel. 

In many ways, this collection of varied treasures amassed with the help of others parallels what a professional has to offer their employer – after all, aren’t we each made valuable by the unique set of skills, experiences, strengths, talents, nd characteristics we have to lend to our craft?  And don’t we become that enriched individual by learning from others – taking what they have to give through their word, deed, coaching, and examples?

I’m quick to announce that I’m not the smartest person in the room.  Likely not the best educated, not groomed for succession to the top of executive leadership.  That’s not self-deprecation, but a keen understanding of self speaking (writing).  But I can say without arrogance that I just might be the one in the room that tries the hardest, works the longest, listens the closest, analyzes each gesture and phrase, and considers every motivation.  The subjects of my focus are the competition, the consumers, the leaders and the contributors.  I think there’s something to be learned from everyone, every situation. 

Sometimes those lessons include jotting down wonderfully profound statements someone else delivers at the precise moment designed to elicit maximum impact – and they espouse it with style, grace, and (seemingly) without effort.  We’ve all had those “Doh!  I wish that had been me!” moments.  And sometimes I learn from an innocuous exchange between others, something I observe in the hallway. I find interpersonal relationships – how they evolve, mature, and are nurtured – fascinating.  And sometimes you learn from the mistakes others make – the manner in which two people resolve conflict (please don’t just think it – have the moxie to point to the pink elephant in the room and say it, for cripes sake!).

Everything, and everyone we’ve come in contact with have contributed to who we are and what we have to offer.  Those culminated learnings should enrich our value proposition to our employers, to our friends, team members, and mates.  Take something from everyone willing to give to you (and heck, even those that aren’t), and twist it, contort it to fit in your toolbox.  There.  Now you’re better equipped.

I’ll happily accept those shot glasses gathered by others – no two glasses are the same – and I’ll add them to my collection.  Individually, they’re just a trinkets.  As a whole they’re something special.  I’ve never been to Spain, but I own a glass that has.

Retro Glasses