The zoom call I was on a few days ago got me thinking about work, aptitude and expertise. On the call were a number of highly educated, successful professionals from various fields including science, engineering, engineering, government and communications. I am familiar with most of them from their participation in solo forum and podcast. They are articulate, intelligent and experienced. Still, from my perspective, the call was a disaster. (Contrary to my opinion, several other attendees commented how much they enjoyed the call and wanted to make it a regular event. They seemed to enjoy the interaction and “community spirit”.)
As I pondered our differences of opinion, I thought, I am an expert in organizing teams, running meetings, and project management. I am really good at it. I have a natural aptitude for organization and planning. On top of this, I spent 30+ working years honing this aptitude and improving upon it in every job I ever had – from pizza delivery and short order cook through tech sales guy and VP.
It’s why I became the de facto leader of my family moves from the 6th grade on. I remember being aghast that my mother had not packed a single box prior to us renting the truck when we moved in the middle of the school year. In the meantime, my entire room was boxed and ready to go. That move was a nightmare with us throwing her clothes and household stuff into liquor store boxes, clothes baskets and trash bags then tossing them willy nilly into the truck. What a fucking shit show. I never moved like that again.
I realize that some people are terrible at planning and organizing. It’s not just my mother. My wife, was a genius when it came to people. Within minutes, anyone who met her was sharing personal details about themselves. They wanted her to be their best friend, mother or mentor. She would just look at people and know immediately the right thing to say and do.
But for our first year together, she “lost” her car keys every single day. It would drive me crazy as we had a mad frenzy searching to find where she had put them so we could leave the house to go somewhere. She would literally walk in the house, wander around and just put her keys down wherever and immediately forget. We’d find them in the linen closet on top of towels she was folding. We’d find them under the newspaper on the kitchen table. Or on the bed. Or on the dresser in the kid’s room. Or in the door lock. Or in some random coat pocket.
And so, after being made late for the hundredth time due to this frantic last minute search, I put a small table with a bowl on it by the front door. I told her she had to walk in the door and drop her keys in the bowl immediately. Every time.
She did this for the next 28 years and rarely lost her keys.
Was I a genius? Nope.
I just think this way – about systems, methodology, efficiency and organization.
On the zoom call, I’m certain the other attendees would run circles around me in their individual areas of expertise.
So why am I even thinking about this?
Because after the call I thought – I need to find more things to organize and manage. My small, quiet life runs like a well oiled machine. It is well organized already. In a way, I’m letting my natural abilities go to waste.
So I decided to start actively looking for opportunities. I’m not sure where they will turn up.
update two days later…
I plowed forward by taking action on my recommendations and send guest spot pitch emails to a dozen podcasts. On the solo forum, I I detailed what I sent and provided a template for others. This makes me feel good. I did my part to help with marketing the book.