Let me begin by saying that
the following thoughts have nothing to do with our normal topics. No industry
musings or thoughts on workplace safety; just some reflections on “making a
difference” and someone who did. Here goes…
Greatness begins by being
different
Mr. S., one of my college
professors told me that all the time. It seemed logical since HE was so
different. He was animated, loud, not fond of following rules and was
certainly an expert at pushing limits. His classes were pretty darn amazing.
There was no hiding in his
marketing class; it was small, maybe ten or 12 people. No lowering your head,
hiding behind a book; when you walked in the door you were fair game. He would always find that certain little thing
about you that made you stand out; your strength and then make you work it like
you were training for a marathon.
He decided my strength was public
speaking. What? Did he not see the shaking hands, the sweat rolling down my
face, the “deer in headlights” look? Apparently not because the next thing I
knew I was on the speech team competing at a national forensic tournament. It was one of the best experiences of my life
and it prepared me well for my career. I remember it like it was yesterday. Without that “nudge”
from Mr. S., I would have missed out on all of it.
So what’s the point? Good
question. Recently learned that Mr. S. passed away and with that knowledge came some
flashbacks. It just seems to me that the ability to have that kind of positive
impact is a gift; a gift that probably each and every one of us could pass
along to a family member, friend, employee or colleague. What a different world it could be.
Posted by MJ Thomas
No comments :
Post a Comment