Coffee dominates city centres in many places worldwide. Increasingly, even in small cities or villages in the US, Europe, or the UAE, one can find a local favourite shop specialising in coffee or tea. When it comes to coffee, my challenge is quality. Not all coffee beans are equal. There are significant differences in methods and styles of serving coffee. Local preferences and traditions play a role. All of this is experienced through the senses of the person indulging in a serving.
As I sat in a coffee shop reviewing the details of a complex financial model, I appreciated everything this shop represented. While I would be the first to acknowledge that institutions do not always live up to their standards, 4.8 out of 5 patron review ratings affirm that this shop has brought a high level of service, preparation, and quality to the coffee it serves. Credentials matter when looking for a starting point for where to go if one is to enjoy the coffee that follows.
I lingered at the table after my meetings. As I cleared my dishes, I listened to the lesson reminders, which now frame the busy day ahead of me.
Credentials reflect awareness, learning, demonstrated experience, outcomes, and commitment. One can go for new credentials at any age. The criteria I have found for new credentials include being open and willing to see and embrace more than one has done in the past. With a recognition milestone, one stands on a new platform centred around application, ongoing learning, and realisation. I find it helpful to remember the examples set by others across history. One writer observed, “Unlike the other high priests, he doesn’t have to offer sacrifices for his own sins every day before he can get around to us and our sins. He’s done it, once and for all: offered up himself as the sacrifice.” (Hebrews 7.27)
Credentials become meaningful when used. Care, kindness, and compassion are labels until we add words, actions, and courage. Engaged support and sharing are platitudes until we walk together. Now is my opportunity.
