There are so many ‘life’ and ‘work’ metaphors that it’s impossible to count. Life is a highway. Life is like a box of chocolates. Life is ….fill in the blank. Since we just hosted a dinner party for 12 last weekend, I decided to write about how life is (sometimes) a dinner party. In this post, each lesson can clearly be applied to our everyday work in the AEC industry.
Lesson #1: Deliberately create interesting, positive dynamics.
If you want to have a seating arrangement (to inspire conversation and create a dynamic between certain people), then plan it out in advance. Don’t try to do it at the last minute, while everyone is milling around, noticing that your wheels are churning as you recall this or that about each person.
Lesson #2: Take care; be mindful.
Part of our gathering included using four fondue pots. I got a little over-zealous with one of the burners, and not only did I fill it too high with oil, but I also had the ‘brilliant’ idea to light the burner in the kitchen and then carry it out to the table. I did this to keep from reaching over others and having to light something in front of them. Bad idea. Instead, by carrying the very full burner into the dining room already lit, it began to flame—big, brilliant, scary flames. Several people brought up the idea of dumping baking soda on the flame. This surprised me, as I was just moments away from dumping a full water glass (or three!) on the flame. It was then that everyone emphatically shared a bit of knowledge I did not realize: oil and water not only don’t mix (that part I DID know), but water apparently spreads an oil fire. If I had dumped water onto our little dining table mini-fireplace, then they said I surely would have caused everything to go up into flames, and quickly. In hindsight, I should have known 1. To research the hazards of an oil burner and read directions on best way to light it and how high to fill it; and 2. To be prepared in advance for what I would do should an emergency—such as a fire—occur in the particular environment (in addition to having no baking soda, we also did not have a fire extinguisher. I would likely have grabbed towels or something to try to smother it, and I honestly STILL do not know if that would be the right thing to do!)
Lesson #3: React calmly and rationally to potential ‘emergencies’.
Whether or not you are the cause of the emergency (in this case, it was admittedly me that single-handedly caused this colorful drama), you need to react calming and keep your wits about you. I’m sorry to report that I tend to freeze (or, alternatively, laugh like a hyena) in most emergency situations. So even though I was initially prepared to throw water on the flames, I became useless after everyone corrected me before I took action. So sure, I did not freak out (which would be disconcerting in any situation), but I also did not contribute to the solution. Advanced anticipation of the ‘hazardous’ (or not) possibilities, as mentioned in Lesson #2, applies here as well.
Lesson #4: Don’t be wasteful. In advance, anticipate potential waste and devise alternatives to eliminate.
If you want to ensure nothing goes to waste, then make sure each person brings Tupperware or a container so you can prepare a doggie bag for them. That way, you are not guilted into eating every leftover with the only other option being to waste. (We kept saying: ‘Would the people of Haiti eat this right now? Emphatically yes! Therefore, we must try to throw out as little as possible.’)
Lesson #5: Triple check your work. Better yet, have someone else check your work!
When setting up the evening prior, for some reason I was confused about the number of attendees. Yes, I did do a double check— but apparently I needed a triple check—because I had set one place too few at the crowded dinner table!
Lesson #6: Always, always learn your audiences’/clients’ preferences prior to delivering.
I am pleased to report that we were very conscientious of everyone’s dietary restrictions relating to pescatarians, vegetarians, and carnivores. I add this lesson only as a pat on the back to us for taking very special care to ensure our guests could all enjoy food of their choice.
What life (or work) lessons can you apply from your daily life adventures? Feel free to share through a direct message or a posted comment.