After reading the next three chapters in the book, I sensed a subtle change in the soap box that the Zanders were upon and I agreed with more of what they said this time around. The story about "Sarah's Move" struck a chord with me on a personal level because it sounded eerily similar to an experience I had with a bunch of youth kids. One night during a tremendously busy week I had scheduled a Bible study at a local Starbuck's with some of my youth kids and had contemplated canceling it because I didn't think I would have enough time to do that and get everything else I needed to get done. However, a few hours before I was going to let them know I wouldn't be able to make it I received a text from one of my kids that said how excited they were because they had invited a friend to come. Obviously I couldn't tell them I wasn't coming now so I did my best to try and get everything done before I left. When that didn't happen I was muttering under my breath as I drove to meet everyone. After sitting down I could tell that the invited friend was a little nervous so I made a conscious effort to make them feel at ease. Needless to say my kids brought me out of my hurried funk with their teenage humor and questions and by the end of the study I felt like Ben after his meeting with Sarah and her friends.
The other part of the reading I really connected with was the idea about how if you strip away the pride, the entitlement, the ego and the myriad of opinions we all have, others "instantly feel the connection" (p. 89). This follows the stories about following rule number six which basically says to quit taking yourself so seriously and realize that everything will work out so just calm down. I wish I could take this back to my old high school district and make them use the two-way facing plaques that state remember rule number six. If people would just take the time to stop, evaluate, strip away usual thought processes, and then see what the needs are (especially of others) can you imagine what might happen? I can and I must say it makes too much sense which means it will never happen.
Zander, B & Zander, R. (2000). The art of possibility. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
never say never, Drew!!!
ReplyDeleteIt DOES make sense! and you possess so many of those qualities, resulting in real and significant connections! thank you for sharing your story about meeting the youth kids at Starbucks! at times the things we need to do the most are the things we don't think we have time for...
and of course there is rule #6... you have helped me see that more clearly for myself this year on our EMDT journey!
Drew,
ReplyDeleteI love your story about the Bible study at Starbucks. For one I love Starbucks! But also, I can't even count the numerous times I was obligated to be at some even or another and I was mumbling under my breath the whole way there and singing at the top of my lungs in the car on the way home. We refresh ourselves by refreshing others.
And to the 2nd part of your post, I can only say this. There are 2 camps in life. Those who follow rule 6 and those who don't. Don't stick around those who don't for too long. You never know where this new endeavor may take you. It's your old school district's loss.
Cheers!