Continuous Learning

Continuous learning keeps me excited and motivated.  In the past day I've visited with two folks who are at very different stages of their careers.  One recently graduated from college and is understandably doing a lot of on the job learning.  It was exciting to meet him at a large community event.  One of his colleagues invited him, knowing that exposure to community issues and leaders is another critical part of his post-college learning and growth.  The second encounter was catching up with a former colleague who has been in the workforce for 30 years.  She stayed in the same industry, but changed roles at her new company.  Though she has significant career experience,  her company and job learning curve is much like that of the newly minted grad.  And, I reminded her that she would be well-served to keep her community engagement and relationships current as she assesses what her next move might be.

Continuous learning takes many different forms.  Regardless of our age and stage, many of the elements are the same.

It's Okay to Change a Plan

At the first of the year, we developed an incredibly ambitious market development plan.  Though we spaced events throughout the year, we intentionally front-loaded the calendar to allow for maximum impact.  It's been a terrific five months, with more opportunities than our colleagues have ever had.  My focus on executing the plan initially kept me from making a welcome adjustment.  However, the announcement that we were rescheduling a June event until the fall was enthusiastically received by all involved.

Plans are essential, but reasoned adaptation can reap big dividends.  

Speechless

Literally!  So many of us have encountered unexpected questions for which we have no immediate answer, which leave us temporarily speechless.  For the first time in a few years, I've gotten laryngitis.  Because I talk all the time, to so many different constituencies, it is always troubling to me when I am literally - speechless.

So much can be communicated by gestures.  And everyone tries to listen as we whisper our thoughts. I'm always so pleased with how much I can communicate to so many even when my most recognizable communication skill is compromised.

Perhaps I got laryngitis to remind me that vocal communications are just one element of what we convey.

Say What?

Years ago, a friend asked me to be his guest at a luncheon.  When I arrived I was delighted to find that we were seated at the reserved sponsor table.  We were having great conversation at the table as we enjoyed lunch.  My friend quietly asked me when I wanted to speak.  AHA, I was not just his guest, I was the guest speaker.  This fact was known to everyone in the room except me.  Rather than embarrass my friend or create any commotion, I quietly asked how long my remarks were supposed to be.  I had approximately 5 minutes, with conversation flowing around me, to consider how I'd address this 15-20 minute extemporaneous speech for 120 or more guests.

Another group, a few years later, asked me to talk about "keys to success".  As I was, at this time in my career, generally asked to address economic development and the Houston economy, I spent a good bit of time preparing for this alternate topic.  My host greeted me and provided the printed luncheon program that clearly indicated that I'd be speaking about Houston's economy.  Once again, I needed to make a quick decision about what message to convey.  So, I changed from the presentation I'd prepared to the one the group was prepared to hear.

Though these are extreme examples, when we can adapt to what our audience of one or many expects, we are far more successful than when we stick to a message that may not resonate with our listeners.

Let There Be Light!

I think I finally understand how frogs are boiled in pots of water as the temperature gradually rises. If the temperature changed quickly a frog would jump to safety. However, when the temperature is raised gradually, a frog adapts to the new situation and stays, eventually dying when the temperature gets to an uninhabitable level.

My experience was anything but life-threatening. I was displaced by Hurricane Ike to a new location. Initially thinking it was temporary, I had very simple expectations. As soon as I had a working phone and computer, I was happy. This was my equivalent of the frog's okay temperature. I was fine! I had adjusted to my new environment. As time passed and I hosted numerous visitors to my new office the common remark was "it's so dark in here". Finally, I looked up and around. As I compared my overhead lighting to all the other lighting in the building I realized that I had defective, failing lighting.

As soon as Carlos replaced my defective lighting, I had a normal, bright environment. My plants said "Yippee" and quickly grew several inches. Let my experience be a reminder to quickly respond to constructive feedback. Had I looked up and around sooner, I would have immediately improved my situation.