just something to think about

i had lunch today with one of the smartest men i have ever met.  he is the immediate past president of a multi-billion dollar company.  he is well read, well educated, well traveled, well heeled (suede bucks, seersucker coat and a snappy bow tie) and well spoken.  he is leaving for a wedding in isreal in a few days and will return to his second home on the outer banks.  he is wealthy, retired and really smart.  presidents have listened to him.  national magazines have quoted him.  stock holders have appreciated him.

so where do i fall in this scenario?  well read?  hardly . . unless you count the latest nelson demille novel as well read.  well educated?  i struggled in school - and i mean kindergarten!  well heeled - i was wearing a new suit . . . but i would be willing to bet my $22.99 bargain that mr. smartest man has never stepped foot in a ross'.  well spoken . . . hmmmmm . . . i am rarely without an opinion, idea or comment.  does that count?

now, before you think for a second i am being self deprecating . . . please, relax.  i just think people have way more similarities than sometimes initially recognized.  you see, me and one of the smartest men i have even met have very little in common but we had a ton of similarities.  we both have a passion for making the world a better place.  we are both focused and driven.  we are both looking for ways to impact our sphere of influence.  we both love our kids. we laughed, listened to each others ideas and generally enjoyed our time together.  well, at least i did. 

just do me a favor and look for similarities instead of differences.

cellophane

what does true transparency look like? as it relates to full disclosure in any sort of communication it feels right, good and appropriate to receive the whole truth . . . or does it?

we are conditioned to expect the truth. but what happens when the truth doesn't meet our individual expectations? for example, when i ask for your opinion do i really want your opinion or am i canvassing for one that validates mine?

now mind you i am not suggesting truth be hidden or sugar coated . . . i happen to prefer my conversation straight up. i am simply suggesting when an opinion is shared in a way that doesn't necessarily meet unspoken expectations be slow to reject what has been offered. maybe it is the receiver who needs to fine tune the hearing . . . audio check please.