| While 2020 is a year we might hope to forget – we will always remember the realities faced and the lessons learned.
Why does it seem like the issues, challenges, and obstacles keep coming relentlessly? That behind every crisis is another one waiting to greet us.First, a virus turned global pandemic, then the economic fallout from job loss and recession, now social upheaval thrust into the limelight as we begin to unpack our understanding of years of inequality and injustice. As individuals, we are stressed and stretched. As a country, we are dry powder ready to blow at any second. Hey, there is some good news – it’s an election year! At least we have election ads, debates, and days of talk news to distract and entertain us… The truth is, what seems like a consistent wave of bad news is really just life. Yes, this year seems like we lost a bet and are getting more than our usual share of setbacks. But life always has been, and always will be, a series of highs and lows. Without the lows, our self-knowledge and knowledge of the world around us would be pretty one dimensional. We can’t grow if we think we have nothing to learn. We can’t fix broken systems until we understand that they’re broken. As a young man, I was prone to sinus and respiratory problems. As I got older, doctors learned that when my allergies were exasperated, they would cause a heightened reaction making me allergic to darn near everything. My point is – that right now, it’s easy to feel like you’re at your breaking point. You’re exasperated. The world is inflamed. We’re not only battling the realities of today – but we’re coming to terms with the fact that our world was far from perfect long before February of 2020. We’ve never been more cognizant of the challenges that lie ahead. Everything has compounded into a general fear for the future. All very real, and all legitimate. But in challenge lies opportunity. Opportunity to evolve. To fix the cracks we may have once overlooked. I know of only one anecdote beyond the obvious race for a vaccine – and that is knowledge. “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Shakespeare From first-hand experience, as the protests began and long-overdue discussions about inequality took center stage – I felt ill-prepared. While I knew that I stood in solidarity, body, mind, and soul – I wondered how I should channel this energy as a leader, as a father, and as a community member. The answer? An openness to learn, to have candid discussions…to unlearn everything you thought you knew. At Placers, we understand that work is commoditized. Knowledge is our opportunity and our greatest potential competitive advantage. We believe that the knowledge, or the pursuit of knowledge, is the great equalizer – this idea is woven into every aspect of our culture. The pursuit of knowledge has become a mindset. My team’s ability to drive change and quickly adapt enables Placers to move faster, be more flexible, and frankly, stand on our head to service others. Yes, we connect customers with the workers they need – but what we know and how we apply it makes all of the difference. Here are my calls to action for you this week:
In my pursuit of knowledge, I want to learn from you. What have you been struggling with lately? How are you working to overcome these challenges? Have you been inspired by new perspectives? How are you leading your teams today? How do you want to be led? What changes are you making today to create the world you want to live in tomorrow? I’m excited to hear from you. |
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