- I was in the Cotswolds, England, today and whilst dry, it was bone bitingly cold. The sky was a steely bright grey casting a light that had no warmth. A delightful day certainly, but everyone seemed wrapped up against the early morning chill and busy running their errands.
I had been up early and well in front of my time plan. I had already collected the groceries I needed for a lunch I was giving, so a hot coffee had a significant attraction.
Although still early, I called into one of my favourite coffee shops. Other than a couple of ladies chatting away, and waiting for a friend, the place was quiet. There was a roaring log fire already blazing in the hearth, as you can see. I was encouraged by the delightful lady who greeted me to sit at the table right in front of the fire – just wonderful. I relaxed and luxuriated in the welcome heat. I also enjoyed the smell that only a proper fire can ever give with the fragrance of well seasoned fruitwood and oak – perfect.
As I sat enjoying the warmth, it got me thinking about the fire and the generosity of the heat it provided with the wood it had been given. Now that might sound a little ‘odd’, so follow my line of thought for a few more moments and you should get my drift.
How often do people ask for a reward before they do anything? A give me X and I will do Y approach.
It would be strange if we said to the fire hearth “give me heat, then I will give you wood”. It would sound daft! The fire has to be laid with wood and set alight before heat will be provided. But how often do were see this in society, in work, in families? People expect reward before they have done anything.
I remember many years ago, when I was the new head of a team and asked one of the members to do something. This was a new task which I thought would be enthusiastically welcomed as both good experience and a good opportunity to impress a new boss. What happened was the person put their hand out as if asking for money. I cannot quite remember exactly what I said but was along the lines that their fingers were bending the wrong way. Grasping for reward before they had shown what they could do. I passed the task to someone else who was delighted to expand their knowledge and experience. They were later promoted as a valued member of my team. The other person I soon let go.
So this go me thinking as the cracking, glowing, fiery red logs rewarded me with their gift of heat:
- Do I provide some ‘heat’ before I ask for ‘fuel’?
- Who asks me for payment before I see the value they can provide?
- Importantly – am I getting the right reward for the money I pay. Or to use the fire example – is the wood providing the heat I expect, or just smouldering away providing too little heat and requiring too much of my time to keep alight?
- Am I putting enough ‘fuel’ into business or personal relationships to receive the ‘warmth’ I wish for?
Now these questions really got me thinking. I scribbled away, quickly, listing the thoughts that came to mind, and the action I will now take.
Did the questions made you think too? I hope so.
I also hope you have a good supply of well seasoned fuel too.
My warm wishes,
Peter