The Journey North

Crossroads – Part 1 of 2

Hard hats.  Steel toed boots.  Safety goggles.  Hearing protection.  PPE? 

The words seemed so foreign and strange in my mind.  Reading my email once again, I tried to understand how my newest assignment could possibly require me to venture into such a hazardous environment.  It wasn’t as if I didn’t believe that people needed to be safe when presented with dangerous situations.  I just couldn’t picture myself in a position to need protection from my surroundings. 

Normally, I’m the sit behind a desk and tap on the keyboard kind of girl.   The greatest threat I expect to face includes a near miss with a misplaced box or a quick stop by the first aid kit to treat a paper cut.  I do not go to places that pose an immediate and real threat to my safety.  Those activities and tasks are best left to the adventure seekers in the world.

Yet, the email clearly explained that my future contained danger, risk, and (even worse) travel.

“I am not the right person for this project.” 

“This is not what they hired me to do.” 

“What are they thinking?!”  

Those thoughts refused to budge despite my boss’ and other members of upper management’s insistence that they considered me not only a reasonable option for the task, but the best person for the job.  Shaking my head, I replayed the conversations in my mind.  Yet, I fail to follow their logic.  

But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord.  Please send someone else.”  Exodus 4:13 (NIV)

I can relate to Moses in that moment.  Not qualified to do the job, worried about how his choice might affect his family, and the need to travel far from home.  While all valid concerns and arguments, in the end he still had to make a choice.  Once God made His request, no easy paths remained. 

While God did not speak to me from a burning bush, I had clearly reached a critical crossroad in my career.  I did have a choice.  We always have a choice.  However, each potential path included benefits and consequences.

1)      Accept the assignment with a smile.

2)      Refuse the assignment and draw a line in the sand.

3)      Complain about the assignment and then accept it anyway.

None of these options provided an easy solution.  Each carried difficult consequences that affected both me and my family. 

As I considered my options, I summarily refused to accept #3.  I detest the middle ground.  I have always lived by the rule that I’m either all in or I’m all out.  I can’t say that it is the best way to live, but it is a path I can live with.    

Therefore, my decision rested on that pivotal belief.  To accept happily or to refuse firmly, no other option resonated with me. 

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.  Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Facing a crossroad in our lives is never comfortable or convenient; yet, our path is filled with them.  Return to learn more about the consequences of these options and the choice I made in Crossroads – Part 2 of 2.

BTW - I later learned that PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment…hopefully, there is at least one other person out there who didn’t know what that stood for either!

Life Changing – Part 1 of 3

The weekend’s activities beaconed to me as I prepared for my final meeting of the day.  Sports, church, and other commitments danced through my mind as I considered the logistics of getting everyone where they needed to be and when they needed to be there.  Despite my desire to get started on all those activities, a couple of hours reminded in the day.  Luckily, my Friday afternoon appointment included discussing resourcing concerns with one of my favorite people in and out of the workplace. 

As she entered my office and closed the door, I smiled broadly.  With such similar lives and personalities, we are able to cover multiple topics is rapid succession.  We think quickly on our feet, manage multiple activities, have a gaggle of kids at home, and have walked through the fire of divorce to find our wonderful and amazing husbands on the other side.  I knew our little chat would help time move by more quickly.  

Throwing in a bit of small talk before we got down to business, we shared our weekend plans and some recent struggles with difficult teenage boys.  Suddenly, she revealed a secret that left my jaw hanging open and my mind struggling to understand.  All other thoughts fled quickly from my mind.  Speechless (which is excessively rare for me!), I simply stared despite the fact that my response only made her more uncomfortable.

For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.  Mark 4:22 (NIV)

The Announcement

“I have cancer.”  Her statement overwhelmed my senses and my thoughts swirled.  Finally, I stuttered, “When did you find out?”  Slowly, she admitted that she had known for over a week.  I thought back to the nice lunch we shared just a few days ago away from the office and the fact that she hadn’t given me any indication that she faced a life changing event.  I had difficulty wrapping my mind around the discrepancy between her announcement and her behavior.  

“Are you okay?”  The question felt so inadequate for her condition.  Of course she wasn’t okay!  I immediately regretted the question.  Yet, I didn’t have anything better to offer.  Where were all of my eloquent words and quick thoughts?  Had all reason fled me?

“I’m actually doing okay.”  I considered that for a moment and then remembered the reason I like her so much and related to her so easily.  She was just like me. 

Not that I’ve ever faced a similar situation, but my husband will testify that I’m amazing with the big things.  It’s the little daily annoyances that push me to my breaking point.  I felt reasonably certain that I my reaction to such a discovery would be very similar. 

Accepting that fact allowed me to relax a bit and curiosity replace shock.  “How did you find out?” I wondered out loud.  Unperturbed by my question, she thoughtfully shared her unbelievable story. 

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.  Mark 10:27 (NIV)

Return next week as I reveal the shocking turn of events that surrounded her discovery in “Life Changing – Part 2 of 3”.  

Would You Like Dessert? – Part 2 of 2

“Would you like some dessert or coffee?”  The waiter smoothly offered us our options as he removed various lunch dishes with practiced efficiency.  With a shake of my head, I declined his suggestion while I tried to keep my immense relief that our marathon lunch had finally ended from guiding my response.  Even though I had resisted the urge to glance at my iphone while we ate, I knew that a significant amount of time had passed since we left the office.  Sighing deeply, I considered the pile of work awaiting my return.  At this rate, I wouldn’t be leaving the office in time to pick the kids up from day care.  Mentally, I added calling my hubby to obtain his assistance to my growing list of tasks. 

Suddenly from my left, the new employee joyfully announced, “I definitely want some cream puffs!”  The air rushed out of my lungs at her announcement.  Seriously?  In disbelief, I turned to look at her.  To my right, our lovely trainer chimed in with a request for a cup of coffee.  Helplessly, I glanced across the table at my only ally.  The look on her face confirmed that she also found their announcements rather unbelievable.  Despite being of one accord, we were powerless to influence the situation.  Clearly, our departure had been delayed yet again.

“And you, miss?  Would you like some dessert or coffee?”  I turned to face the waiter and then glanced back at the tray of delicacies he generously displayed before me.  With the battle already lost, the desserts urged me to give in.  “I’ll take that one,” I confessed.  Glancing back across the table, my ally’s eyes clearly expressed, “Et too, Brutus?” (Shakespeare’s Caesar)  I raised my eyebrows in return and shrugged my shoulders in an attempt to communicate, “If you can’t beat them, join them.”  Unlike me, she refused to give in to the temptation.  How I wish I had her will power!

The waiter returned to the kitchen and our new employee announced that she needed to find the ladies room.  However, instead of making her way to the back of the restaurant, she wove her way around the crowded tables and headed right out the front doors into the sunshine.  My silent question found an answer in the cigarette she pulled from her purse as she passed beyond my view.  Mentally, I added this unexpected action to the growing list of unusual behavior displayed by the newest member of our staff.

A bit eccentric, our new employee sported bright red hair cut short and spiked high.  With a petite frame and spunky attitude, she reminded me of a fiery pixie.  While our office is a rather progressive, eccentric doesn’t describe the employee base.  Generally, our staff tends to be rather young, energetic, and trendy.  We seem to lack the normal office fixtures such as the odd smelling cat lady or the strange silent recluse.  Hmmm…now that I think about it, maybe I’m the funny smelling and rather unconventional cat lady and instead of cats, I collect children.  I giggled at the thought causing the others to look up at me in surprise.

As we waited for our desserts and coffee to be delivered and for the fiery pixie to return, we discussed the rather unusual journey that had brought us to this restaurant so far from the office.  Our adventure had been doomed from the beginning.  Confusion over our destination, inaccurate directions, and multiple u-turns had elongated our simple attempt for a quick lunch.  The trainer assured us that the ride back would be more direct and less eventful.  I clung to that hope.

Thankfully, the sugar did much to soothe my agitation.  However, when the trainer asked for a second cup of coffee, my ally could no longer remain silent.  Stopping the waiter by placing a hand on his outstretched arm, she firmly requested the check and didn’t let go until he agreed.  Her insistence made me chuckle, which earned me a stern look for my response.  However, even she couldn’t deny how absurd the situation had become.   Despite her best efforts, a smile escaped and she rolled her eyes. 

Eventually, we did leave the restaurant and return to the office.  Happily, the ride back went smoothly as promised and we chatted pleasantly about the experience.  In the end, our lunchtime exceeded 2 ½ hours! 

While we had originally expected to grab a quick bite to eat, God had other plans for us that day.  The initial frustration and anxiety transformed into humor and a shared experience that helped to build our relationships much faster and deeper than they may have developed on their own.  The other day, an employee stopped me and my ally in the hallway and asked if we would like to go to lunch with the new employee.  Our unified and quick rejection caused him to take a step back.  We laughed at our response and at his expression.

It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth.  Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.  Mark 5:34 (NIV)

Would You Like Dessert? – Part 1 of 2

Sitting still and chatting pleasantly became more difficult to accomplish by the minute.  Although I continued to resist the urge to fidget or reach for my iphone to check the time or look at my emails, I knew we had extended well beyond a reasonable lunch break.  Sending up a quick prayer for intervention and more patience, my mind searched for something worthwhile to discuss that would reduce my growing frustration at our idleness.

If you haven’t already figured it out, patience is not one of my virtues.  Combine that flaw with my intense dislike for wasting time and you have developed a recipe for disaster. 

I am what you would call a multi-tasker.  Then again, aren’t most moms?  Between work, family, housekeeping, church, friends, volunteering, and other various commitments, I rarely have the opportunity to tackle only one thing at a time.  In the evenings, you can often find me sitting on the floor of my bedroom trying to catch up on my favorite TV shows (always via DVR…I just love that technology!), folding a load of laundry, entertaining a couple of little ones, and checking my email.  With only a limited number of hours during the day, necessity requires that I become the ultimate multi-tasker.

On those rare occasions that I am able to focus on a single activity for any length of time, I try to choose those commitments that hold the highest priority in my life.  I strongly dislike the idea of wasting precious time on frivolous tasks.  This specific lunch greatly exceeded the amount of effort I voluntarily dedicated to this type of activity.  Yet, I urgently wanted to support our corporate culture. 

You see, my office has warmly embraced the idea that building personal relationships increases team work and open communication.  It is one of the aspects of our corporate culture that I most admire.  One of these initiatives includes new employee lunches.  Here’s how it works.  During your first week, a different group of employees takes the new hire to lunch at the company’s expense.  By the end of the week, the new hire has received a free lunch each day, discovered several nearby restaurants (which is very useful since it is difficult to find lunch options in our area as we are surrounded by business parks), and most of the staff has received an opportunity to get to know the new employee on a more personal level. 

At first, I considered this activity a waste of time and corporate resources.  Despite my reservations at the effectiveness of such an approach, I happily attended each of these lunches during my first week.  The surprise came during my second week of work.  Suddenly, I realized that I already knew everyone’s names and had a general idea of what activities they were responsible for.  For those of you who don’t know me well, I am horrible with names and remembering details.  The fact that I could now call people by name and associate them with the correct project became a true miracle!

Additionally, staff comfortably and confidently stopped by my office to ask me questions or just to chat.  While at first glance you may not understand the significance of this reaction, previous co-workers and employees would likely testify that this is a rare development.  Generally, people find me intimidating and difficult to approach.  Sadly, that is not by design.  The problem is that I’m a very focused and task-oriented individual.  I take my work very seriously and I sometimes forget the necessity of developing the softer side of my work life.

Since I don’t actually desire for others to hesitate in reaching out to me, I have made a concerted effort to soften my work image.  I can’t say that I have been overly successful, but I continue to work at it.  My current company’s progressive work environment provides multiple opportunities to refine my people skills.  As with many of our employee relationship development activities, these lunches are optional.  However, I decided to try embracing this activity as an opportunity to develop a more friendly and approachable persona.

Despite my desire to give these lunches a try, the current predicament had me reconsidering the logic of choosing this particular opportunity.  I feared that my growing agitation had become clearly visible in my behavior, words, and expressions.  By the time our marathon lunch finally ended, none of these women would likely ever speak to me again.  Crestfallen, I tried to accept that I had failed miserably in my attempt to appear easy going and approachable. 

Just as I reached the conclusion that no hope for a good outcome remained, I glanced around the table and sighed with relief that we had finally finished our meals.  The waiter approached our table and I could see the end in sight.  All we needed now…the check.    

Looking back, I should have realized that it would never be that easy.  Unfortunately, I had overlooked one remaining item…dessert. 

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.  Psalm 20:1 (NIV)

With my patience already stretched to its limits, dessert threatened to push me firmly over the edge.  Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation?  What techniques did you use to keep your temper in check?  Return for “Would You Like Dessert? - Part 2 of 2” as I share what happened next.

Seeking Truth

“So, why doesn’t everyone give it a try?”  The instructor’s gentle direction implied that making an attempt to solve the problem would be within the realm of possibilities.  I suddenly felt propelled back to my 11^th grade advanced Chemistry class.  Once again, to find myself at a loss to determine the first step I needed to take.  

Did he really think we could do this?!  I didn’t even understand a fourth of the information displayed on the screen.  The list of acronyms resembled a bowl of alphabet soup and the accompanying numbers contained measurements that I had never even heard of.

As I continued to glare at him as if he had lost his mind, his smug look and the twinkle in his eye firmly announced that he knew something I didn’t.  Resolving that no help would be found there, I glanced around the room to determine how everyone else had decided to deal with this ridiculous assignment.  Shocked, I discovered that no one appeared to find this activity odd.  Instead, I found each head turned down and each person diligently working to solve the problem.  

Looking back at my blank paper, I began to wonder if I’d missed a critical piece of information.  Attempting to take the request seriously, I remembered we hadn’t been given a formula yet.  Just how were we supposed to attempt solving a very complex problem without the equation?  Startled, I considered the possibility that I might be the dumbest person in the room.  That discovery left me disheartened.  Not only did I represent the older and much more experienced population in our division of the company, but many of the attendees were recent college graduates.  They certainly shouldn’t know how to do this…should they?

With a deep sigh of defeat, I sent up a silent prayer for help as I leaned to over to the guy seated to my left and whispered, “Do you have a formula?”

“No,” his soft and urgent response caught me off guard.  Confused, I couldn’t resist asking, “Then what are you doing?”

Cutting his eyes my direction and allowing a slight smile to dance upon his face, he confessed.  “Nothing.  I have no idea how to solve this.” 

Taken aback, I blinked twice as I considered this revelation.  He didn’t have any more insight into completing this complex problem than I did.  As I worked to process this new found knowledge, I glanced at the front of the room and realized that the instructor continued to smile at me with laughter in his eyes.  Narrowing my own, I realized he was enjoying my discomfort a little too much.  

Unwilling to give up just yet, I leaned over to my right and whispered my request for a formula once again.  A soft no confirmed my growing suspicion.  Looking at his paper, I discovered several drawings instead of calculations. 

Understanding began to settle firmly in my mind and I couldn’t resist a giggle from escaping my lips.  I apologized as several people suddenly glanced my direction in surprise.  Looking back at the instructor, he nodded his acknowledgement of my discovery.  He knew that no one could solve the problem.  As a test, we had all failed.

How often do we let the same thing happen?  We look around at everyone else and assume that they have it all figured out.  Instead, they don’t know anything more than we do.  They’re just better at faking it.  

Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return.  Job 15:31 (NIV)

Consider how much more fulfilling our lives could be if we admitted what we didn’t know.  What would we learn as a result?  Often, we invest so much more energy into pretending than we would need if we searched for the truth.

God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.  Acts 17:27 (NIV)

God doesn’t want us to fake it.  He wants us to ask questions, admit that we don’t know everything, and turn to him for the answers.  How can He reveal the Truth, if we don’t first approach him humbly with our ignorance?

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.  Psalm 149:4 (NIV)

I hope you enjoyed today’s story.  I’m also visiting over at Tickle Me Pink Tammy.  Stop by and say “Hi!”

Food for Thought

Sliding into my seat on the back row of the training room, I happily dropped my notebook, pen, and iphone onto the table.  Unlike the sessions I previously attended that encompassed lunch in a two hour window of delicious food and fun facts, this class consumed my entire morning and even reached into the early afternoon.  Unperturbed, I imagined a generous offering of donuts or other breakfast delicacies to ease our comfort through the morning, coffee thoughtfully offered during the mid-morning yawn, and a yummy lunch with an amazing dessert to finish off our learning activities.  As those lovely thoughts floated happily through my mind, I smiled and glanced briefly around the room at the other attendees.  

My brow furrowed as I realized most of the attendees were not from my division.  I hadn’t bothered to pay attention to the topic of the today’s session.  The words “required training” had captured my interest and directed my actions.  However, I began to realize that this training must be a bit different than the other classes I had attended over the past six weeks.

At the front of the room, I recognized our instructor as the Ergo Enforcer that had thoughtfully and persistently completed my initial ergonomics assessment (Best Workplace Ever!).  I smiled.  Well, this should be interesting. 

Clearing his throat to capture the attention of the room, he welcomed us to our required safety class.  I silently considered that revelation and decided that knowing more about safety is always a good thing. 

Dismissing his next couple of non-related comments, I looked around the room for the food.  There is always food.  Nothing.  Frowning, I looked around again more carefully.  The Ergo Enforcer noticed my activity despite my efforts to blend in and hide in the back row.  “Michele, is there a problem?”

I shook my head no as the entire room turn around to look at me.  Feeling my cheeks begin to burn, I apologized for my interruption.  He smiled knowingly.  “We do have some coffee up here if you are in need of a caffeine fix already.”  Dang…sly dog.  He knew I what I was doing and he eagerly called me out on it!  “I’m good,” I assured him.  “Well, if you’re sure…let’s move on then.”

Generally, I am one of those people that can’t help but ask questions and point out inconsistencies in a training presentation.  Yes, I’m one of those… sorry…

Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.  Psalm 139:4 (NIV)

One of my mom’s favorite sayings to me is, “To change a behavior, the first thing you have to do is decide to change it.  The second thing is recognize when it occurs.  Finally, you have to stop yourself right before you do it.”  Obviously, there are a lot of behaviors I need to adjust.

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake you mother’s teaching.  Proverbs 1:8 (NIV)

Once again, I decided to apply my mom’s sage advice as the training session began.  Silently, I lectured myself, “Don’t say anything this time.  I mean it!”  However, despite my best efforts my mouth runeth over yet again.  Desperately I repeat, “Shut up, shut up, shut up…what’s wrong with you?  Don’t you have any control over your mouth??” 

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.  Proverbs 17:28 (NIV)

No laughing!  This is a serious matter and my husband will tell you that sometimes I even say it out loud.  Of course, my kids would happily share that I talk to myself often.  Wait…doesn’t everyone?

I digress…back to my story.

As the training class continued, I tried to focus on the topic and push my thoughts of food to the back of my mind.  “I can make it until lunch!”  I held that thought firmly at the front of my mind causing my desire to remain quiet throughout the class to slip just a bit.  While my instructor found my inputs amusing, the rest of the class simply wanted us to move on.

Four hours into the class and still no sustenance had arrived.  Finally, a couple of people stepped into the room to deliver our lunch.  We all eagerly watched them unpack the offerings…any yet.

The Ergo Enforcer continued and continued and continued.  Glancing at the clock for the hundredth time, I began to think he was teasing us.  As we approached 1 PM (the class was scheduled to end at 12:30 PM), I decided that I might actually have to eat my pen.

Finally, with the extreme generosity of a king allowing his subjects to eat his leftovers, he allowed us to collect our lunches.  We attacked that food with the force of a ravenous pack of wolves.

Luckily, the food instilled more patience and understanding in us and the Ergo Enforcer continued on with our class.  Eyeing him suspiciously, I simply couldn’t shake the idea that he had planned this all along.  However, as I popped the last bite of red velvet cake in my mouth, I smiled with satisfaction long overdue.  Catching my eye, he smiled back…sly old dog!

Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns.  Jeremiah 4:3b (NIV)

Best Workplace Ever! – Part 3 of 3

“This will be a low stress week.  Just focus on getting to know the staff and we’ll talk when I get back.  Oh, and be sure to come hungry.  We love to feed the new people.” 

Come Hungry

After chatting briefly with my new boss just days before starting my new job, her parting remark continued to linger.  “Be sure to come hungry.”  Puzzled by this rather strange and unusual comment, especially from the corporate world, I had difficulty accepting the validity of this simple gesture.  It’s not as if I haven’t been offered free food by previous employers.  Periodically, lunch had been provided by management.  However, pizza and deli sandwiches tended to rule and even then these meals were grudgingly offered and often with strong disapproval of the Finance Department who considered this activity an unnecessary luxury. 

Little did I realize that this small off-handed remark provided a glimpse into the culture of my new company.  Food quickly became an underlying theme to this organization’s success shocking my preconceived notions of how a company can achieve success and maintain it.

On my first day, lunch plans occupied many of my morning conversations as I met various members of the staff.  Promptly at 11:30 AM, several people congregated in the common area in preparation for our adventure.  Dividing up into various cars, eleven of us headed eagerly out into the Texas heat on a quest for exceptional food. 

We arrived at a nearby Cajun restaurant, quickly ordered, and were seated.  I carried my purse expecting to pay for my own meal.  I smiled in acceptance as my French tour guide exclaimed, “No, no.  We will cover your lunch.”  I appreciated the thoughtful gift of friendship on my first day.  To my complete shock, I realized that everyone’s meal had been included in the final bill.  Curiously, I asked who was paying.  Imagine my surprise at learning that the entire bill had been covered by the company credit card.  I couldn’t resist wondering if the Finance Department knew about this.

Despite my struggling to understand the blatant generosity of the company, I began to realize the benefits of their unconventional approach.  My colleagues insisted that I sit in the center of the table and I happily chatted with everyone as we dined.  By the time we left, I knew everyone’s name and a bit about each person. 

In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.  1 Timothy 5:25 (NIV)

Returning to the office, I marveled at the result.  Everyone’s comfort level with me and my comfort level with them had significantly increased during the lunch hour.  Normally, it takes me weeks or months to get to know people outside of my specific function.  This lunch had reduced that time to less than a day.

Throughout my first week, lunch plans continued to be part of my daily routine.  Each day I dined with a different set of people in the office.  By the end of the week, I was shocked to realize that I knew most people by name.   As my husband will happily confirm, I am horrible with names so this achievement was exceptionally unusual! 

In addition to knowing their names, they had obtained a comfort level with me that allowed them to confidently stop by my office to share their concerns about work processes and their hopes that I would be able to help. 

Accepting the success of their approach, I incorrectly assumed that additional lunches would be rare.  Instead, this was just the beginning.  By the end of my third week, I had happily attended two farewell lunches, a new employee lunch (for another new employee), and two lunches that had been combined with training sessions.  Paying for my own lunch became more of the exception, than the rule.

However, the food train doesn’t stop there.  As the snappy dresser had shared during my interview (When God Provides), the break room contained a variety of breakfast items, snacks, candy, and various other food possibilities.  In addition, the refrigerator revealed a variety of beverage options from sodas (brand name, not generic), Gatorade, juices, and milk (presumably for the cereal). 

The amount and availability of food and drinks overwhelmed my senses.  I couldn’t resist thinking, “I’m going to be sooo fat working here!”  Looking around me, the evidence of that result did not confirm my suspicions.  Instead, these people looked super fit and active.  I struggled to wrap my mind around the contradictions that defined my office.

As I sat at my desk last Friday morning considering whether I should stop by and pick up a late morning snack from the break room.  I received an email invitation.  I opened it up and blinked.  Sitting up a bit straighter (my ergonomics assessor would be so proud of my posture!), my smile widened as I read.  A birthday celebration had been planned for this afternoon and I had been formally invited to attend.

Over the years, I have attended various office parties.  Each provided a sweet escape, but they often became uncomfortable and staff quickly departed with cake in hand to return to their desks.  Not here.  As with everything else in this amazing company, parties possess a special charm. 

Our dessert included a variety of amazing cake balls.  Door prizes containing gift cards, music, and ping pong contributed to the success of the event.  Staff lingered with the approval of management.  The companionship and camaraderie was easy to see and warmed my heart.  People genuinely enjoyed working here. 

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.  Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)

While I have shared some of the shocking freedoms and luxuries offered at my new job.  It is only fair to warn you that the staff has definitely adopted an attitude of “Work Hard, Play Hard.”  I have yet to see anyone who seemed bored, lazy, or unoccupied.  I haven’t even witnessed any staff ideally surfing the web.  Instead, the office is full of energy and direction.  Their true desire for teamwork, open communication, and collaboration is enviable.  I guess this is what happens when people actually like working for a company and feel valued and important.  They have certainly gone a long way in changing my perspective.  How about yours?

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.  Hebrews 6:7 (NIV)

Best Workplace Ever! – Part 2 of 3

“At your earliest convenience, please schedule an assessment.”  Judgmentally, I re-read the email.  A single thought lodged in my mind refusing to let go.  People are actually paid to do this?!  Baffled, I tried to recall my limited knowledge on the subject.

Ergonomics

By the end of my first week, I stopped trying to guess what could possibly happen next in the world of contradictions that surrounded me.  Despite the very explicit instructions not to delay, I procrastinated.  Embarrassment and apprehension ruled my response. 

What did an ergonomics assessment consist of?  Would I have to jump around or crawl on the floor?  Should I wear pants just in case?  Vivid pictures of me attempting and failing to achieve some complicated yoga positions leapt to mind.  Despite the amusing scene my failure might prompt, I resisted the probability of entertaining the office. 

Suddenly, it occurred to me that the evaluation might include uncomfortable moments of viewing my posture or moving me around.  I don’t like people looking at me or touching me.  I have a strong desire to maintain my personal space, especially at work. 

Sigh…  Really, how does one go about the task of conducting an ergonomics assessment?

As my thoughts continued to run rampant, I decided the best tactic included simply avoiding the situation.  These people had already proven to be a bit…well…eccentric, after all.

With my decision comfortably in place, I determinedly moved the email to my archives and let the subject go.  I smiled at the finality of that action.

The next day, I looked up in response to a slight knock on the doorframe of my office.  An older, kindly gentleman smiled pleasantly in at me.  I smiled warmly back and asked if I could help him. 

“I’m here to complete your ergonomics evaluation.”  My face fell and my jaw dropped.  Had he actually sought me out?  Really?  Didn’t these people have anything better to do?

“Oh.”  The single syllable represented the only sound to escape my lips for several moments.  “You mean right now?”  Didn’t he know a girl needed some advanced notice?  Looking down, I couldn’t resist stating, “But I’m wearing a skirt.”

He chuckled.  “That will be fine.”  Fine for him, maybe, but I refused to attempt any yoga positions in this skirt and I absolutely refuse to budge on the point.  So there…no, I don’t care if I sound like a 5 year old.

Stepping casually into my office, he retrieved a clipboard from behind his back and began.  “We’ll start with a few questions.”  Skeptically, I eyed him in silence. 

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent.  Proverbs 17:28a (NIV)

The questions proceeded the way things like this usually go by requesting my name, title, phone number, etc.  The interview then transitioned into questions about where I usually keep my keyboard, mouse, screen, etc.  He stepped around my desk and I tossed a distrustful glare his direction which prompted another chuckle.

He asked me to stand up and then adjusted my chair.  Studying my black high heels (really cute ones, BTW), he asked if I always wear this type of shoe.  Rolling my eyes and with extreme patience, I explained that I’m a girl and I wear all sorts of shoes, including high heels, flats, and everything in between.  With a sigh, he relented and decided to use an average heel height.

With a shrug, I returned to my seat and impatiently waited for what he would say and do next.  He took a tape measure out and kneeled next to me.  Lifting my eyebrows in silent distrust, he explained that he needed to measure the length from my knees and the floor. 

He took several additional measurements and then offered some posture recommendations and explained that the facilities staff would be by my office later to adjust the height of my desk (lowering it significantly) and to install a platform lifting my screen higher.  With each passing moment, I became more comfortable with the evaluation.

Compassionately, he asked I had any pain in my back, neck or shoulders.  Reaching up to rub my left shoulder, I explained that carrying my rather heavy baby around contributed to some pain.  Surprisingly, he considered that a valid concern.  He suggested that I try out my new desk height and the other changes and techniques he recommended.  After a week or so, he promised to stop back by to see if the pain in my shoulder had lessened.  If not, he had some additional adjustments we could try.

“Now, that wasn’t so painful.  Was it?”  He offered another chuckle and then turned to leave.  Smiling at his back, I suppressed a giggle.  This place certainly contained plenty of trips down the rabbit hole.

Amazingly, the changes to my desk height, posture, and keyboard positioning seemed to directly contribute to the lessening of pain in my shoulder.  Despite my resistance and all my attempts to avoid the situation, the outcome impressed me.

It’s funny how things work out to your benefit, despite your best efforts to mess it all up.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.  Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Return tomorrow for the conclusion of “Best Workplace Ever – Part 3 of 3.”  We’ll unravel the mystery and intrigue surrounding my department’s love of food.

Best Workplace Ever! – Part 1 of 3

Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding my interview (When God Provides), I received a job offer the very next day.  However, that was just the beginning! 

My first day continued the journey into the strange and unusual (Where is the Trash Can?).  Surprisingly, I’ve now completed my third week and the unexpected continues to invade my daily life in this office leaving me feeling off-balanced as I try to wrap my hands around my new position and responsibilities.  To those who work here, everything appears normal and unexceptional.  I can’t help but wonder when this environment will become less shocking to me.  I hope it’s not too soon.  Right now, I’m simply having too much fun!  I know, right?  Work and fun in the same sentence.  It’s just weird and unnatural!

Back by popular demand, here are some additional stories surrounding my first three weeks.  Humor is always a good choice on a Friday afternoon, especially when you’re so stuffed you can barely move!

Global is Actually Global

During my interview, the term “global team” easily floated around the conference room.  I heard them, but I just didn’t believe them.  I certainly couldn’t begin to appreciate the depth of those two words or the impact this concept would have on my daily work activities. 

I wasn’t new to working for a company that claimed to have a “global team”.  However, my interaction with the global community turned out to be nonexistent.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure someone, somewhere worked on a global effort.  However, most people in the organization did not.  In fact, crossing a single time zone tended to be the extent of my far reaching interactions.

On my third day, global became real.

Despite my boss being on vacation during my first week, she had scheduled a calendar full of meetings to help me get to know other members of the group.  My earliest meeting was scheduled for 8 AM. 

Especially in the federal government, this timeframe is considered normal business hours.  However, in this office meetings don’t usually start until 9 or 9:30 AM.  At the same time, while government workers are headed to their cars by 3 PM, I’m not sure when these people go home.  By 5 PM, everyone here is actively working as I rush out the door.  Of course, most of the staff are recent college grads without family responsibilities.  Still, don’t they want to go somewhere else?

The morning of my meeting found me stressed and frantic.  Getting dressed, juggling the little ones, stopping by day care, and arriving to work on time, appeared to be an impossible feat for even Super Woman to achieve.  Jumping from the car, I nearly ran the distance to the building hoping that I could quickly get to my desk and to my phone call. 

I snapped my laptop open and prayed that the computer would resume quickly.  Thankfully, it cooperated.  I opened my Outlook meeting invitation and quickly scanned the contents searching for the phone number I needed.  As I located it, my mouth fell open.  What were all those numbers??

Oh, no!  Reality hit me as I realized this was an international number.  Incompetence consumed me.  I suddenly realized that I had never dialed out of the country before and I had no idea of the protocol for getting an international line.  Panic quickly set in as I glanced at the clock realizing that I was already late.

Jumping from my desk, I rushed down the hall looking for anyone who could help.  Given the early hour (cough, cough), the options were extremely limited.  Just then, the HR guy rounded the corner.  I nearly knocked him over in my excitement. 

“How do I dial internationally?”

He smiled and lazily leaned back against the wall.  “Well…”  Sigh, didn’t he understand my panic.  “You’re killing me.  Please.”  I begged. 

Luckily, he relented and wrote down the information I needed. As I dashed back towards my office, I quickly turned around.  “Do you know where this guy is located?”  It just seemed like I should have some idea of what general part of the world I needed to call. 

“Manchester.  No, I think he’s actually in Wales.”  I smiled, the United Kingdom.  I knew where that was and they spoke English.  I breathed a sigh of relief as I quickly dial the number. 

Luckily, Mr. Wales possessed a laid back attitude and completely understood my difficulty in calling him on time.  However, my relief turned out to be short lived.  While he spoke English, his accent nearly did me in.  Closing my eyes tightly shut, I focused all of my effort on processing his words through his thick accent and unusual phrases.

After our hour long conversation, I felt exhausted despite the still early hour of the day.  Looking at my calendar and the series of meeting scattered throughout the rest of my day I doubted my ability to make to quitting time.  Just then, the HR guy stopped by to see if I had survived my first international call.  Humor danced in his eyes.  Embarrassed, I felt like I had failed yet another test in this crazy office. 

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.  Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)

I leveled my best mom glare at him and suggested that next time someone should be a bit more forthcoming with critical information.  Laughing, he turned and headed back to his desk.  Sighing deeply, I began to realize that maybe I had been hired to simply play the role of mom.  Well, I reasoned, I certainly had a lot of experience in that area!

Dear Children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.  1 John 3:18 (NIV)

Return next week as I share a couple of other entertaining stories about this companies approach to ergonomics, food, and fellowship in “Best Workplace Ever – Part 2 of 3”.

Where is the Trash Can? – Part 3 of 3

Sitting back in my new chair, I glanced out the window and couldn’t help but smile.  The day had gone exceptionally well.  While I encountered several unique personalities, the overall atmosphere of the office was warm and engaging.  I realized it would be naïve to believe that office politics did not exist.  However, I treasured each day I could dodge that reality.

A light tap at the doorframe claimed my attention and pulled me from my thoughts.  Turning towards the sound, I smiled warmly as my French tour guide step into my office and took a seat across the desk from me.  “So, how was your first day?”  (Okay, you need imagine that question spoken in a thick French accent.)

I chuckled.  “It’s been fun.”  We continued to discuss various aspects of the day and he helped me to sort through the stories and details that everyone had shared.  I treasured his insight and appreciated his patience in answering my endless questions.  As we wrapped up our discussion, I paused and then confessed I had one final question.

“I hate to admit it, but I’ve looked everywhere.  Where is the trash can?” 

He blinked, sat back in his chair, and then laughed.  His obvious joy at my predicament surprised me.  Until now, he consistently maintained a rather serious, but slightly pleasant in that French sort of way, presence about him.  The fact that my question had caused a crack in that rather serious demeanor proved disheartening.  I feared that I had failed some sort of test.

Pointing to the corner of my desk, he explained, “That’s it.”  Confused, I looked at my desk and tried to comprehend his answer.  A gray stapler, a black tape dispenser, some yellow post-it notes, and a hot pink pencil holder lined the edge of my desk.  Doubtfully, I looked back my French tour guide and discovered that he continued to be amused at my expense.  Maybe something had gotten lost in the translation and he simply didn’t understand my question. 

Raising an eyebrow, I sought additional insight.  “This is some sort of joke played on the newbie.  Isn’t it?  Let’s see how long it takes her to ask for a trash can.”  Attempting to reign in his humor, he began to explain. 

“That is your trash can,” he shared as he reached over and picked up the hot pink pencil holder.  In an attempt to take him seriously, I took it from him to examine it.  I had seen these on everyone’s desk in an array of bright colors.  The container resembled a coffee filter made of plastic.  I had difficulty accepting that the company expected this little container to hold all of my trash. 

As if reading my mind, he pointed out a file folder to my left labeled “Recycle” and explained the company’s vision for reducing our carbon footprint through sustainability efforts.  Recycling was only one of many efforts the company had adopted.

It made sense.  This was an environmental company after all.  I continued to doubt my ability to limit my trash to this tiny container and reasoned that I could take my trash home with me.  It wasn’t optimal, but it would work.

With the trash can issue settled, my French tour guide took his leave.  Pausing at the door, he turned around and asked, “You are coming back tomorrow?”  I smiled until it reached my eyes, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”  I couldn’t begin to predict what the next day would bring in this place.

For a few moments I eyed my hot pink pencil holder and decided that putting pens in it wouldn’t be wise.  Absently, I wondered how many times my pens would have disappeared before I figured out that it was actually a trash can and the custodial staff emptied it each night. 

Suddenly, I heard God whisper, “You missed the point.”  This company actively worked to become a good steward of God’s resources and gifts.  Instead of embracing it, I schemed on how to get around it.  God didn’t want me to take my trash home.  He wanted me to adopt a similar approach by applying these concepts when I returned to my family. 

In that moment, my ten-year-old Ashley rushed to mind.  She had been nagging me for the past year to recycle and yet I continued to procrastinate.  Sigh.  She could already see what I worked so hard to ignore.  Determinedly, I decided to get moving.  It was long past time that we all became better stewards of God’s precious gifts.  It wouldn’t be easy and certainly wasn’t convenient; however, my hot pink reminder beckoned me to do it anyway.

I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce.  But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.  Jeremiah 2:7 (NIV)