Point to Ponder: You meet some of the same people going up as you do going down.
Storyline:
(applies to all ages, but great for the young and the restless)
Once upon a time, there was a young fellow named Andy who graduated with high credentials and got a job within a respected company. Bright that he was, he started doing good work and received numerous recognitions. His group also had a very good manager named Joe Z, whom everyone liked and respected immensely.
As often happens in industry, such managers move on to do bigger and better things, and Joe Z got promoted. The company brought in a replacement manager from outside, who had a very crude and rough style in dealing with people.
Not happy with the new manager, Andy found multiple job offers outside and handed in his resignation. Joe Z, his old manager who was now the Director, told him how much he respected his talent and needed his further contributions. Joe requested that Andy be patient for a while and stay on.
Young and restless that he was, Andy declined. Joe advised him "It is not good to leave in anger. I advise that you don't burn your bridges". This young and yet immature fellow replied, "I don't burn bridges, I bomb them" (no traces left behind). He left angrily anyway.
As fate would have it, thirteen years later, during an economic downturn, Andy badly needed a contract for the consulting business he had established after a few years of working. Andy bid for one contract where his proposal was selected for the final stages of the approval cycle - the presentation to the top management of the client company.
He was waiting in the conference room for the top management people to arrive, and as soon as Andy saw the first person to walk in, drops of perspiration started flowing all over his face. That person was Joe Z, his old boss, who had moved to this new company several years ago. Andy saw all his dreams of winning the contract evaporating.
Surprisingly, Joe Z approached him and gave him a hug. Smiling, Joe said to him "Don't worry. I had done very similar thing in my early career as you did with me. But I know that you realize that you have learned a very valuable lesson in life today. Go ahead and Break a Leg (make a great presentation)"
Relieved, Andy did well in his presentation and got the contract.
Reflection:
Going through ups and downs, and at times dealing with seemingly unreasonable situations, is all part of growing up - and no one has been spared from those agonies. What differentiates a pro from an amateur is how one responds to variety of situations and conquers them with a great attitude. Especially since understanding and compassionate people like Joe Z are so rare.
This reflection was originally published on April 3, 2008. Reader's views from original reflection are in the comment section. Reflections are periodically repeated because of new audiences and reflecting on the learning from the originals by veteran readers.