I know I’m not the only father of teenagers who more than occasionally gets called out for not being “cool” (my wife Karen and I are the parents of two expressive daughters). I probably hear this “non-adulation” most frequently when I pick them up from one event or another in our family minivan. So it seemed like a really swell idea to rent a muscle car convertible for an out-of-town event this past weekend, and in fact I got props from one daughter, not even a fist bump from the other, but one out of two is not bad.
At the conclusion of the journey, as I reluctantly returned the rag-top rad ride, I thought of “The Animal School: A Fable” by George Reavis. You may remember the story. Reavis wrote about a school organized by animals to meet the demands of the “new world.” They developed a curriculum of running, climbing, swimming and flying, and all animals had to take all subjects.
In summary, the duck was excellent in swimming, but he made only passing grades in flying and was very poor in running. The rabbit excelled in running but experienced a nervous breakdown because of so much makeup work in swimming. In the end, it became a school of mediocrity, where individual talents weren’t appreciated or maximized for ultimate effectiveness. This fable, and the three automobiles I drove this past weekend, made me think about the importance of identifying and maximizing the various strengths of others in the business world and beyond.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 48-hour fling with the rental car; it was exhilarating popping the top down and hitting the road. It also became apparent it wasn’t highly functional in hauling several volleyball players and their gear to an out-of-town tournament. While the roar of the engine brought chills to this middle-age man, the needle’s frequent fast descent toward empty brought shivers to my wallet. As we switched over to the minivan for ferrying people from hotel to convention center, I thought, “It may not be cool, but it sure is comfortable and convenient.” Finally, when I returned the convertible back to the rental location and drove off in my hybrid sedan, I lamented the loss of the adventure, but I welcomed the practicality, functionally and quietness of the ride home.
In one weekend, I experienced the tapestry of various makes and models of automobiles that all met different needs and wants. Reavis’ fable also has reinforced how each one of us brings unique offerings to the table.
As you engage in the workplace, at home and elsewhere, it might be good to ask yourself occasionally:
• Are you working out of your strengths, which energizes you, or are you frequently working in an area that drains your energy?
• Are you the best-equipped person to handle a particular responsibility, or could some things be better delegated to others — allowing them a chance to grow and develop, and you the opportunity to focus on things you most excel in?
• Do you have others whom you allow regularly to speak truth into your life regarding what your greatest strengths and weaknesses are, and do you then act on their legitimate responses?
We shouldn’t put undue pressure on ourselves to excel at everything. Instead, we should assess what our unique skills and passions are and then apply these talents and callings in the areas where we’re most fulfilled.
Brian Horner is a company care leader with Marketplace Chaplains USA, an organization that provides workplace chaplains to corporate America. This employee-care program serves employees and their family members 24/7.
Brian Horner is now a member of BIC Media Solutions’ speakers bureau. For more information about BIC Media Solutions’ speakers bureau, contact Earl Heard at earlheard@bicalliance.com or call (800) 460-4242.
For more information, visit www.Mchapusa.com or call (800) 775-7657.
