As we were laughing about the situation, she saw the look of panic on my face. That look of “If all this has gone wrong already, the rest of the day will likely go the same way too.” She proceeded to say, “Don’t lead with your hips today.” Little did I know the wisdom in that statement. She went on to explain that one of her friends seemed to have this amazing life—everything we think of—a supportive husband, great kids, fulfilling career, but seemingly big hips. (She really didn’t!) She complained about them all the time. She would weave her hips into every conversation, making sure everyone knew how unhappy she was with them—so whenever people think of this woman, they don’t think of all the great things about her and her life, but about these made up big hips she brought up in every conversation. So, Lynn, in all her wisdom, said, don’t let your hips lead the session today. Don’t focus on all that has gone wrong because if you do, more WILL go wrong. I loved it! I completely snapped out of it, strapped on her shoes like I was entering into a special race, and slowly waddled to the conference room in my new big shoes and my newfound wisdom.
I tripped over the flip chart as I entered the room since my shoes seemed to be two steps ahead of me. Everyone was already in the room and saw me do this. An image of me with big hips, big shoes facilitating a very bad day flashed before me. “Don’t lead with your hips,” I heard my friend’s voice say to me as I walked to the front of the room. I turned around, kicked off my shoes, shared the story of what happened, and everyone laughed. I could feel the room relax, and while we didn’t stick to any agenda, the day went exactly as it was supposed to. Great discussions, open sharing, and stronger connections were created. It was a great day. Someday was that day—filled with lessons and opportunities to contribute.
We all have stories like this. Someday can be today—filled with lessons from different types of teachers—practicing patience and understanding with the twenty-five-year-old engineering manager with the nose ring who tells me he hates people and just wants to code; the person driving twenty-five miles per hour in front of you on the highway who is really just there to remind you to slow down; Someday can be today—also filled with students waiting to learn—Stu, the head of sales who told me at the end of the day that he was reminded of the importance of going with the flow just like demonstrated when I facilitated with bare feet in front of the room, or the twenty-something who told me how much it meant to her that I took the time to talk with her about her career. Teachers are everywhere waiting for us to listen and students are all around us waiting for us to share.
Start your day with questions like, “How can I make a difference and contribute to others today?” Reflect on your day with questions like, “What lessons have I learned today?” As I carried out my new pair of shoes from the store, I reflected on my two recent lessons: Don’t lead with my hips and always buy shoes at Nordstrom’s because you can return them if a heel breaks and get a brand new pair!
