Alway be a student

I was VERY smart when I was 22 years old. So smart, in fact, you couldn’t teach me anything.Been there. Done that.

We all have years days like that, right? Right?

Well, anyway…

during that “know it all year,” I distinctly remember being at a business lunch and being placed at the far end of the table with a person who, according to my sophisticated eye, was a Country Bumpkin.  This guy had an entry level title though he looked like he was close to 30 (!), a quiet disposition (extrovert is my middle name), and clearly wasn’t concerned about his shoes(!!). I dreaded the hour-lunch with every fiber of my being. I'd have to work too hard find anything interesting in the conversation.

Sure enough, at first I struggled with the usual small talk. Then conversation took a surprising turn; Mr. Bumpkin mentioned living in Africa for 5 years.

Excuse me? What? I wanted to go to Africa! How did this guy beat me there??

Yup. Mr. Bumpkin had conducted years of primary research on lions in Botswana and was full of fascinating stories. Suddenly Mr. Bumpkin turned into Mr. Wild Kingdom. He quietly weaved tales that captured my attention and fanned my dream of going to Africa. (It took me ten years to get there, but that’s another story.)

In the end, it was one of the most memorable encounters of my career.  And to think I almost missed it because of my arrogance.

What I learned that day (and, candidly, am still learning now) is that someone - anyone - EVERYONE - knows things I don't know.  However, I have to pay attention, ask questions, listen.

When I want to learn something, I'm looking for a person. I need to show up ready to learn anytime, anywhere, from anyone.

Do you approach the world with curiosity?  Do you ask questions? Do you sit back and learn? Or do you dismiss people because they don't fit the "teacher" image.

Would today feel any different if you decided to be a student?