Do you ‘Glow in the Dark’? September 14, 2015
Posted by Duncan in TW.trackback
I’m in awe of many people. I’m lucky to have met and worked with some truly smart and outstanding individuals. (I just wish I wasn’t so reserved and was able to tell them!)
If I was asked to pick a handful of the most talented people however, Seth Godin would undoubtedly be up there.
I’ve not met Seth in real life (although I had a near miss at OpenWorld 5 or 6 years back) but I’ve followed his work for a decade at least. He writes daily posts on his blog – most of them succinct and quick to read – which are always really insightful.
My all-time favourite post from Seth was from just the other day. I’m reposting it – not because I’m stealing his work, but because it increases the chances of readers of this blog seeing it – and going to his site and subscribing, adding it to your RSS reader etc.
Glow in the dark
Some people are able to reflect the light that lands on them, to take directions or assets or energy and focus it where it needs to be focused. This is a really valuable skill.
Even more valuable, though, is the person who glows in the dark. Not reflecting energy, but creating it. Not redirecting urgencies but generating them. The glow in the dark colleague is able to restart momentum, even when everyone else is ready to give up.
At the other end of the spectrum (ahem) is the black hole. All the energy and all the urgency merely disappears.
Your glow in the dark colleague knows that recharging is eventually necessary, but for now, it’s okay that there’s not a lot of light. The glow is enough.
I wish I was able to write half as beautifully as this. Please go to his site and subscribe. I’m sure we can all identify some people who can reflect the light, some who are occasionally black holes, and – if you’re lucky – have a glow in the dark colleague. If you need further convincing of Seth’s genius, the Interim Strategy will probably resonate too.
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