In an internal workshop on generational diversity a few weeks ago, our speaker, Jamie Notter, discussed an example of a generational conflict in the workplace. In essence, the example illustrated two coworkers at odds - one who valued "talk time" and one who wanted to get down to business. There was more to it than that, but this is the piece that spoke to me.
I've always seen myself as the get-down-to-business type. Yes, I think I'm pretty good at socializing when I need to, but my patience for chit-chat when a business agenda is at hand is pretty marginal. There's a lot of value in getting to know your colleagues, but I think there's a time and a place - usually on the periphery of work. And, even more, I was taught that you just don't discuss personal topics with coworkers - you never know when it might come back to bite you. And now, with a baby at home and school after hours, my preference is to just focus on work at work.
Recently, I've discovered just how much other people value that kind of engagement. I've struggled in relationships with people who place a lot of value on interpersonal relationships and exchanges. But, I realized that it's not so much about sharing personal information; it seems like it's mostly about demonstrating that you care. When you ask questions (not of the too personal type, of course) about other peoples' lives, you show that you care about them as a person. When you share your life, you show that you are human. It seems quite obvious, but it was an eye-opener for me when the light bulb switched on. And, thought it's early to judge, it has seemed to make a significant difference in my relationships when I recently made an effort to take an interest in others' lives. I think it may even make life easier when conflict arises with those individuals.
Something to give thanks for this week.
(Oh, and by the way, Jamie's presentation was terrific!)
Showing posts with label life lessons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life lessons. Show all posts
11.19.2007
10.22.2007
living now
I'm listening to Oprah and being reminded of an important life lesson that I learned quite early in my own life. It's something you hear all the time... live in the present, be present, don't worry about the future, etc.
I was fortunate enough to have the great experience to work in an inpatient hospice facility early in my career. Of course, I met many people who had lived long, full lives. But I also met many people whose lives were full, but short. The image of one patient has forever been etched in my memory.
She was a young woman, in her early 30s. She had a daughter, probably 6 or 7 years old, and an infant, less than a year old. She had brain cancer and the front quarter of her skull was gone, almost as if it had caved in. The kids came to visit in the evenings, but I will always remember that Sunday afternoon when her brother came to visit. She sat in the recliner at the end of a long hallway which opened up onto a garden. It was autumn and the warm golden sunshine filtered in through the big windows. And he played the guitar and sang to her. And the next weekend she was gone.
It's a memory that I reflect on from time to time... a powerful reminder to me of how anything can happen to anyone at any time. I know that when I live with intention, in the present, I feel much different. I'm glad to be reminded today.
I was fortunate enough to have the great experience to work in an inpatient hospice facility early in my career. Of course, I met many people who had lived long, full lives. But I also met many people whose lives were full, but short. The image of one patient has forever been etched in my memory.
She was a young woman, in her early 30s. She had a daughter, probably 6 or 7 years old, and an infant, less than a year old. She had brain cancer and the front quarter of her skull was gone, almost as if it had caved in. The kids came to visit in the evenings, but I will always remember that Sunday afternoon when her brother came to visit. She sat in the recliner at the end of a long hallway which opened up onto a garden. It was autumn and the warm golden sunshine filtered in through the big windows. And he played the guitar and sang to her. And the next weekend she was gone.
It's a memory that I reflect on from time to time... a powerful reminder to me of how anything can happen to anyone at any time. I know that when I live with intention, in the present, I feel much different. I'm glad to be reminded today.
9.17.2007
1 down, 17 to go
That's my husband's latest catchphrase. We made it one year! The big shindig happened yesterday - lots of family and friends came by to wish my beloved daughter a happy birthday.
I was catching up with a dear friend this weekend whom I haven't spoken to since I was six months pregnant. In terms of learning and development, I really think that becoming a parent is the most significant, life-changing thing you can do. The learning curve is, as one of my friends would say, "ginormous." The personal growth that results is tremendous. And the catch is, you simply can't procrastinate on it - when baby calls, you must answer. I really do feel like a different person. Life has new meaning, new depth.
It all sounds a bit cliche, I suppose. I just wonder if we approached other parts of our lives with the same passion and enthusiasm, what would be possible? What would it take? And if we can't find that passion and enthusiasm for those other aspects of life, what should we change?
I was catching up with a dear friend this weekend whom I haven't spoken to since I was six months pregnant. In terms of learning and development, I really think that becoming a parent is the most significant, life-changing thing you can do. The learning curve is, as one of my friends would say, "ginormous." The personal growth that results is tremendous. And the catch is, you simply can't procrastinate on it - when baby calls, you must answer. I really do feel like a different person. Life has new meaning, new depth.
It all sounds a bit cliche, I suppose. I just wonder if we approached other parts of our lives with the same passion and enthusiasm, what would be possible? What would it take? And if we can't find that passion and enthusiasm for those other aspects of life, what should we change?
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