Reflection: The Price of Educating Oneself, part 2

[read part 1 here]

We thought things were bad. Little did we know what lie ahead.

It could easily be said the theme for 2008 was relationship issues. All around me I found myself having trouble relating to anyone. At work I was put in charge since no one else was a) around and b) willing to take on the responsibility. This would be my first big lesson in working relationships.

The whole is more than the sum of its parts. (Metaphysica 10f-1045a) – Aristotle

Nowhere is this more clear than in the workplace when leadership is missing. As each person or group of persons was fighting for their own survival, I was busy fighting for the overall survival of organization. Money was tight. Fear was heavy on the minds of anyone who knew anything. Establishing a team to lead everyone else through this storm was priority. The one accomplishment I am most proud of in all my working life, building a team who trusted each other and trusted me.

My first lesson was that I could lead. My second was people would see this as a threat.

Back at home was a horse of an entirely different color. Dwayne and I fought, if we spoke at all. He was collecting unemployment and discouraged by the lack of opportunity. I was going to work early and coming home late. Part of my team building was immersing myself into the job. I interacted with all levels of employees which included me working out 3 or 4 days a week. Physically I was in great shape, but that was about it.

part 3