Pick Your Poison

Years ago while studying for a certification program, one of the professors explained our current course selection compared to another popular option. He said, “One program is an inch wide an a mile, while the other is a mile wide and an inch deep.” He basically was explaining that with one program we’d have a working knowledge on a variety of topics, while in the other we’d know nearly everything there was to know about one thing and basically nothing else.

During a conversation with one of my respected counselors, she’d asked what my objectives were professionally. She was in pursuit of her Ph.D. and looking to document her subject matter expertise. I explained I would build a team of experts. My desired expertise is to know and communicate effectively with the experts. This ability would allow me to command and conquer virtually any task set before my team or organization. She liked my approach and mentioned it wasn’t something that had occurred to her.

We get to pick our poison. We get to choose what we do and how we do it. We have the ability to enhance our skills, talents, and work ethic. We can become the preeminent choice for our employers, customers, or clients. We can make our service offerings so desirable that going with a competitor would be folly. Most will not though, most will settle for dismal mediocrity. Most will go with the flow and put in minimal effort. Most won’t study or network or work to better themselves. Most drink the poison of the average.

Today, Tuesday, October 4, 2022, I am grateful that:

Trish and I spoke this morning. She’s an incredibly strong and resilient woman. She’s moving forward courageously after Steve’s death. I offered my condolences and assistance and we spoke about several things. So happy we got a chance to have a dialogue.

Howard and I spoke last night. It’s great to have the wisdom of my elders. I’m fortunate to have so many. Upon reflection, it’s been that way my entire life and I’m blessed to enjoy speaking and learning from my elders.

Isaiah sent over the last data needed to complete my project. I’ll get this finished in a few hours and move on to the next deal. Not entirely sure what the next deal is but, I’m happy to finish the current one.

Are you willing to put in the effort to be a subject matter expert?

Either personally or through intense study of interviewing styles to ask insightful and impactful questions of the experts with whom you communicate with frequently.

Be Great. Be Grateful!!!