Lessons from My Microwave

Life was far different before the introduction of the microwave, decades ago.  And life will continue to change.  Oddly enough, our microwaves teach us about life:

• seconds matter
• we pay a price for convenience
• most tools are not universal 
• even in a contained space, big messes are hard to clean up
• fast isn't always best
• even if you prefer to be open in life, coverage is best in some settings
• we sometimes take for granted gifts that most don't enjoy

You are Strong

I recently had the chance to engage with some survivors of the dysfunction caused by a loved one's addiction.  On the surface, there was fragility.  But once they shared their stories, their great strength was evident.

We often see what we expect.  Though I expected fragility, I found their strength.  If we consciously look for  and acknowledge the strength in others, everyone wins.

Putting Our Best Hand and Foot Forward

We've always heard we should put our best foot forward.  Many things come in pairs. Perhaps we should add "hand"to that conventional wisdom of making a good impression.  Putting our best hand forward can have many positive connotations including:

• friendly - wave
• supportive - pat on the back
• attentive to detail - well manicured
• helpful - helping hand
• confident - professional handshake
• handy - tactically adept problem solver
• trustworthy - seal the deal handshake
• uniqueness - fingerprints

Hunting

We are all hunting for the best, whether it is happiness, a date, mate, friend, meal, deal, acquisition, kill (traditional hunting), gift, vacation, job, school, service provider, entertainment, book, opening line or meaning.

People generally like to provide advice.  When we are able to articulate what we are hunting, we'll usually find others who are willing to help us identify what they think is the best available. Everything's connected in the search for the best.

Who's the Best?

Numbers tell only one important part of the story.  Those who are the best also exemplify the values and model the behavior expected by the organization.  Ideally, our best colleagues' successes are multiplied by those they have led, assisted, helped, coached and inspired to achieve.  Greatest is mostly quantitative, but ultimately decided by the "rest of the story".   Those who exceed the quantitative metrics, while helping others succeed now and equipping them to succeed in the future, are the stars.