Insights and Ingenuity

“Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from poor judgment.”–Will Rogers

I heard this inspiring quote for the first time in February, mentioned by my friend and counselor Sam Meers at a gathering I wish could have happened at some far, distant time in the future.  As it is, we were saying good-bye to a friend, a man who was bigger than life. Even as I heard Sam speak those words, they crept into my head and quietly spoke to me for months.  I’m finally writing about them because I think it’s important for others to consider reflecting upon the paths they’ve taken in business and in life, and the persons they’ve shared their journeys with.

Good Judgment Comes From Experience

I’ve had a few things happen in my life these past 8 months or so. Many good; I am a blessed and fortunate woman. Other things, however, I would have (at the time) preferred to avoid. As with many not-so-welcome events and experiences, most turned out for the best in the end – even though it may have been uncomfortable and the purpose just plain unclear for awhile. The important thing to me is to have survived the upset and walk away having learned everything of value possible.

Experience Comes From Poor Judgment

Herein lies the stickier part of the equation. Not only is it our responsibility to soak up opportunities to learn, and apply that knowledge when the situation calls for it. Well, we also have to stumble and make some missteps in order to know the difference between the right way and the wrong way, the best choice and the choice that’s simplest. Only by (occasionally) exercising poor judgment, making bad decisions, or tossing circumspection into the wind will we feel that white edge of pain which provides boundary between real leadership and the guy in charge. Between strength of character and situational control. Between being wise and being condescending.

One Can Move Mountains

Each of us has tremendous power. I think most days we forget it, though, as we scurry to meetings, respond to crisis, scramble to beat the clock. We see the forest for all it’s impressive bulk, density, and size. But we overlook the trees, some of which are tender and straining for sunlight. Sometimes our efforts to penetrate the forest may hardly even get noticed–by our boss, by the market. But our purposeful hand at even one tree can be seen and felt for a long time. That tree could be a single customer. Or a lone co-worker.

Ways You Can Be Powerful

1. Take each hour just a little more slowly.  Yes, the 9am deadline is fast approaching and you hear the copier make an alarming grinding sound from down the hall–but you have a supplier on the line and it’s not his problem. Give him the courtesy he’s due. Remember, you have the power to change the entire tone of his morning.
2. Really listen.  “How are you?” may be a perfunctory question in some social exchanges, from the early AM Starbucks line to the receptionist whose name you often forget–that doesn’t make the question meaningless. Listen to the reply you receive, and pay attention to what they say. Give a care.
3. Give it a second thought. Conclusion-jumping is the easiest of all Office Olympics events, but I’m ready to hand off my medal; are you? It’s so simple to get swept away with the tide of personal issues that an office environment affords. Remember that you can be a contributor a neutral party–only one gives you the power to remain removed and somewhat insulated.
4. Be vulnerable. “I’m sorry.” can be two have the hardest words to say, especially if strong words have been exchanged or there’s been an event. But when you need to say you were wrong, do so by giving the other person the respect and deference they deserve. Being vulnerable can help break down barriers; remaining open-minded and non-judgmental will remove the rubble and prep the ground for new work.
5. Share what you know. You’re smart, you’re experienced, and you have a lot of gifts to lend. Pay it forward by opening your schedule and your heart to helping others, so that they might grow.

To recap–tomorrow, remember that you’re one person, but have been made so by all that have come into your life. Whether a book you read, a speaker you heard, a friend who aided you, or a parent who guided you. You’re one person who can change your world as you know it–through a phone call, your casual words,  admirable choices, and freely given gifts of time and energy. You’re one person with the power to change many.

Tags: Decision-making, Influence, Leadership

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 17th, 2009 at 5:36 pm and is filed under Community, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.