A blogger on a familiar website periodically asks everyone to share their single best piece of advice to individuals interested in working. The thought that keep occurring to me relates to how one looks at work and life. If I could wave a magic wand and gift everyone with a single piece of advice, it would be this; you are never a force of one, you are one that is part of the Force.
Life reminds me that I never accomplish anything on my own. In order for me to accomplish anything, others are involved. They are receivers or givers. They are participants in the process or spectators to what happens. Someone gives witness. Someone is touched by the outcome. Someone or something helps along the way.
You and I, regardless of age, role, or anything that makes us different, are in life together. We are part of a human family. We are connected in our desires, hope, and aspirations. We share in the experience of pain, uncertainty, and fear. I am always defined in the context of others.
The best advice I can give you is one that Life constantly brings to us. When we work together with others, especially in and with our differences, great things happen! The best of who and what we are as individuals shows itself through our relationships. Great teams find their strength in diversity. The metaphor starts within us; “A body isn’t just a single part blown up into something huge. It’s all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together.” (1 Corinthians 12.15) It finds it greatest potential as we recognize and work with others.
I listen to my words and realize that while I know the reality in my head, my heart often tries to go it alone. I forget. I struggle with trust. I hold onto the idea that I can do it on my own. My hope today is that I step beyond and into community. I wish that I could infuse everyone coming into the workforce with the same courage that I hope for myself.
