Navigating the Work Life Landscape : Oh My God! My Shoes !

Yes, it’s happened on more than one occasion!

Rummaging in the half darkness and too lazy to switch on the light, I had gone ahead and put on the Dr Martens.

It was only 3 hours later after a trip to the grocery store and the hospital that I realised something was amiss. As I was about to get out of the car at my office’s parking lot, a cursory downward glance told me that I had been very fashionable that day… perhaps too fashionable. No wonder I had attracted a rather lopsided look from the grocer! And to think that nobody had even bothered to ask or tell me about my choice of contrasting footwear!

“You need to do due dilligence” a cousin had once told me.

I was about to join a private company. The cousin – a veteran manager had wanted to know more about it.

“Be clear about the company’s prospects before you leap, Bandi”, he had advised me. “Don’t be in the dark.”

It was good advice, and one born out out of experience.

By asking around, and going through public held records – I enlightened myself on the company’s profile, shedding light on what would otherwise have been a great job offer.

I did the right thing of course : I declined the offer.

Rummaging in the dark in life is a risky manoeuvre and has its associated risks. The shoes that I had put on in the absence of light had resulted in my embarrassing experience. At least no lasting harm was done.

I think that you get it by now that “being in the dark” is an analogy to being in a state of ignorance and not having enough information to make a good decision.

Their related scenarios can have serious repercussions: the stunt coordinator who had neglected on firearm safety when shooting a scene with blanks, the company that decided to go into a new market based more on interest rather than an exhaustive market research, the educator who assumed his students know the subject rather than verifying those assumptions, and so forth. You get the picture.

“Hi!”, said the friendly couple to my friend, smiling.

Sean had gone on his usual jog near the apartment he was staying. He noticed that people were being nice to him that day – extra nice.

Sean smiled back and went on his way.

Only later that evening did he realise that his shirt had been worn inside out.

Apparently, a momentary lapse in judgement had him put on his favourite shirt the wrong side out. The culprit : a half darkened room.

I have become quite blasé about such experiences. It happens. The fact that these things happen though further enhances the need to really be aware of your environment before going ahead.

To do that, be aware of your senses. Your senses (sight and sound, in particular) can provide you with huge insights on situations in general. The act of “turning on the light” makes you see better. Do that by finding out more on the subject : ask around, read into available information etc.

Look in the mirror – practically and figuratively. Knowing yourself makes a big difference. Do an introspection once in a while. You will be surprised with the person you’d thought you know so well.

Take a break – put some space between thinking and doing. It’s a valuable space that buffers your intention from your action. It gives you enough time to make sure things are aligned before you commit to your actions.

Ask others about yourself – those closest to you would be able to tell how you look to them. Close circles can be frank. Be open and don’t take it personally.

Never take it too personally.

Now check those shoes before you go out!