When I was in training, doing a lot of stand up presentation, I anguished over the fact that at the end of any presentation I knew there were people who just didn't get it. You could tell by the look in their eyes and the questions they asked that they weren't there yet. On the other hand, you could also tell when someone had that moment of clarity when they not only understood the concept, but owned it in a way they could use it back on the job. I once asked Gene (my boss at the time) about this because he had done the job a lot longer than me. He explained to me this way: When you are teaching or training, you are "shooting" the person with the information that you want them to understand, embrace, and ultimately use. Sometimes, they aren't ready to learn and the information just goes right on through (yes - in one ear and out the other). But sometimes you have the crystal bullet. You present the information just right, and they're ready to receive. It goes in, bounces around, and sticks. You have true teaching at that point.
This concept has been part of my understanding for the better part of 25 years, and there have been moments when it has come back loud and clear. There have also been times that I seemed to let it slip from my consciousness. But it's always been there. And, as those of you that follow my blog know, I was thinking about it earlier this week, and I have continued to think about it. This morning just helped to push me over the edge, in two ways. The first was Gene. The second was an acquaintance at Rotary.
After our meeting this morning, I sat down with someone that I have been trying for over a month to find time to speak with. The problem has been completely mine. I needed to reschedule each and every time and Jennifer has been generous enough to go along with all of these changes. Anyway, the conversation was good this morning, covering the various corners of our collective worlds. And as happens so often, we discovered that we are connected in a very close and direct way. This time it was through my niece, Mattia. I never expected that one, but in the middle of the conversation we found it.
Anyway, the crystal bullet in the conversation was about how we are all so interconnected. The way that we know each other and the way that we all connect over time and distance. It was a good conversation and Jennifer spoke to me about going through her career search and that found her current position through people she knew. It completely reaffirmed for me the fact that getting to know people and allowing them to get to know me is the best way to live.
Then, after the chance to connect and have a cup of coffee, I came home to a call from the person who taught me about all of this so many years ago. On top of that, he wanted to tell me that another mutual friend of ours, someone I've worked for in the past, has just bought a company up here. Well, at least the company that he works for has, and they will be looking for some good folks in this part of the world. I hope this will be an opportunity to begin paying back all of the kindness that I have received in the last month. I'm sure there is an opportunity to partner here and help good people strengthen a good company.
Finally today, just a note from the Toybox. I have started work on a dining room table that I am crafting for some friends and am very excited the project is starting to come together. I roughed out the legs on the lathe last weekend and will be working to finished shaping them over the next few days. Then, hopefully, the company that has sold me the distressed heart pine, will finish their part, so I can begin work in earnest on the top. They want the table by Thanksgiving. I'd have a lot to be thankful for that day if the table is done and in place. More fun and pictures to come. After that, I have some pieces to complete for a Curling Bonspiel in Maine, and I need to get some items ready for YESS for one of their fund raisers. Lots going on here.
Have a great weekend. We will talk next week.
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