Last Tuesday Morning I was pouring myself a cup of coffee in the lobby of my hotel in Grand Rapids. As I was taking my time debating between regular or hazelnut creamer, I realized that a gentleman was waiting behind me.
I apologized: “I’m sorry – I’m in your way, aren’t I?” In a relaxed tone, he answered: “No rush. We’ve got the whole day in front of us.”
His comment was unexpected because he was wearing a suit and looked like someone with a busy morning. As I finished preparing my coffee and rushed out of his way, he said “Take care”… and I think he meant it. I then walked outside for about 30 minutes (I needed to think of an idea and I like to walk outside to find creativity).
When I returned to the lobby to refill my coffee, my new friend was at a table briefing three intense, executive-looking people with a presentation on his tablet. I don’t know whether his audience were coworkers or potential customers, or what they were discussing. All I know is this guy was in charge, and the topic seemed critical to the group. A half hour earlier, he’s acting like Jeff Spicoli and now he’s Gordon Gekko **. Who was this guy? How was he so relaxed and not worried about me wasting his time when he had a very important meeting in a few minutes?
I think the questions should be: “Who do we think we are, and why do we act so busy all the time?” Seriously, look around later today. Look at the faces. Listen into the conversations. Our faces are tense and our discussions are disconnected. Seriously, listen in to a conversation during work hours and notice how little we listen to each other – it’s as though we’re having two separate monologues. We’re in such a rush that there is no time for engagement. I don’t know if it’s any different today than it was 20 years ago, or if I’m just getting older and noticing it now, but we seem to measure our value by how busy we are.
I work with 100-hours-per-week people all the time. That’s a common reason I get hired – to streamline and improve sales organizations so the Owner/GM/Sales VP can get back into balance. On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, I was with a group that should act busy because my two main contacts legitimately work 18 hour days. However, most of us don’t.
I’m not suggesting that we do less. I’m pretty stimulated and happy most of the time, and I think productive activity releases endorphins that give us those natural highs. I believe being busy can be a good thing (not the 100-hours-per-week busy - that’s a bit much). However, why can’t we act like the executive in Grand Rapids acted toward me last week? Why can’t we be present and simply know that “… we’ve got the whole day in front of us.” I don’t know. I wish I had the answer. I’m going to start observing myself throughout the day and try to make sure I’m not acting overworked or rushed. Yes, I’m busy, but that doesn’t mean I have to act busy – that just takes more time, doesn’t it?
** For the younger readers, just Google these names and watch the movies this weekend - I highly recommend both of them!
