Humanity

A couple of weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to help with the YESS Duck Derby.

I call it an opportunity for two reasons.

First, I was able to help an organization I truly believe in.  YESS spends all its energy protecting those in our society that need the most protection, our children. Even more specifically, YESS provides safe housing and food to those who need help the most.  I am always amazed by the fact that the folks there can do their job effectively, day after day, without becoming completely overwhelmed and just giving up.  My hat is off to them every single day.

Second, and even more to the point for my thoughts today was that I was given the chance to people-watch for the day.  This is one of my true joys in life, and if you don’t do this once in a while, you are really missing out.  We live in an amazing melting pot, in our own neighborhoods and across the country. Anytime people meet en masse, the cross section you see is phenomenal.

The Duck Derby was a perfect example.  The day was cold and rainy, but even so, I saw every degree of the clothing spectrum; from those with full rain gear and umbrellas to those who were wearing scanty running shorts and tops.  This is the thing that I love about this people-watching thing.  If you stop and think, or maybe listen, you understand the way people think.  In every case, they got up in the morning and dressed; making decisions they believed were the best for the situation.

Another perfect opportunity to people-watch is at the Iowa State Fair.  It is a venue which begs for the activity.  Part of what you see at the State Fair is the way people fit into groups.  Many times you find that the way people look and act actually seems to bring them together into groups.  At this point you may say “Duh” as I have said something that we all intuitively know, but rarely do we actually get to see this at work.  You can watch it at work at the fair.

I have one more.  If you want to see the reverse of this, but one that still seems to work itself out, go to a hockey game; I would recommend the Des Moines Buccaneers if you can.  If you look closely, you will find the most unlikely people sitting right next to each other and being all sorts of fine with it.  The guy wearing a motorcycle vest having just ridden in from Colorado is seated right next to the lady wearing a $10,000 mink coat, and both are having fun.  In fact, more than likely they will come together and actually find something to talk about.

In the work world, we attempt to artificially create these situations by putting people in the same uniforms or shirts and through work, they have shared experiences.  This works to a point, but falls far short of what the world does all on its own.  So, get out there and watch people.  Go to a ball game, or a mall, or even to the airport.  Watch the interactions that occur and how the groups informally come together and break up.  The experience is fascinating, and can actually be a little humorous.  And, if you see me dressed in black dress socks, sandals, and shorts, don’t laugh because for whatever reason, I thought that this was the thing that was right to wear today.  Celebrate my freedom and independence in making a decision.

One last thing today.  One of the authors that I follow is Seth Godin.  I enjoy his thought process, the manner that he challenges me, and the things his writing causes me to think about.  He had a very good blogpost  last month about competence and possibility.  This one I will keep.  I thought you might like to read it as well.

I get to spend time with family and friends next week and I am certain that I will have a new thoughts and stories to share here.  Stay tuned….