We all know that appearances can be deceiving but we don’t always remember it.
I sat down at a brewpub to sample some craft beer. Several seats down was a huge individual with a Mohawk and long beard. My initial thought was that he might be a biker. He was the kind of person you’d quietly tell your kids not to stare at to avoid any touchy situations.
I asked the bartender for a sample of beer that wasn’t available in a taster. I’d have to buy a full pint to try it. I ordered something else.
A few minutes later the large patron down from me ordered the beer I wanted to taste. When it arrived he slid it my way and said, “Would you like to taste it?”
I was a bit taken back but instantly appreciative of the gesture. I tried the beer and that started a conversation that lasted for 45 minutes. My new friend turned out to be a beer connoisseur and a most interesting and delightful person. His appearance belied his soft-spoken and kind personality.
It was for me a dramatic reminder of the assumptions and judgments we make. Getting through life safely requires discernment based on general experience. While mostly a good thing, there are times when it prevents us from developing relationships and discovering insights about others.
As leaders we need to judge people and assess situations to make good decisions. At the same time we’re better served to look again at the people we meet and work with and dig a little deeper so that we can judge wisely.
Appearances can indeed deceive. Rather than assuming the worst–or even the typical–dig a little deeper to understand the people you encounter every day.
Thank you for telling us that if only we take the trouble to go beyond the surface level, delve a little deeper and winnow out without judging merely on outward appearances, we can actually come up with some very precious nuggets…. nuggets of wisdom that help us to build some beautiful and enriching relationships which can sustain us through life, in good times, and bad.
Am sure anybody who possesses a clear perception and accurate discernment can develop this leadership competency and I do like to say this whenever possible:’You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader’! Thank you for that wonderful book.
One book which I really enjoyed reading in 2010 was ‘The Noticer’ by Andy Andrews and he says:
“Many of life’s treasures remain hidden from us simply because we never search for them.”
Very true.
Thanks and regards,
Geetha
Mark – Interesting story that should make all of us more aware of how many opportunities are right in front of us – and we are letting too many of them fall through the cracks.
Jeff
Mark,
We should not judge anyone. Great reminder to everyone. Thanks for sharing your story and thoughts.
Dan
So many times we think we know things about a person or situation & it’s always a wonderful surprise to see that what we thought we knew is just a small portion of all there is. Some of the most wonderful people & experiences must be found by taking down the barriers & looking beyond our initial perceptions.