Cleaned up my art & craft supply cabinet over the weekend. There were three color palettes covered with layers of acrylic paint. For a long time, whenever I saw these, I had felt like throwing them away as they appeared to be useless and beyond saving. However, this time around, I took a small screwdriver and prodded the dried paint.. et voilà! It peeled off, just like a sticker, leaving behind clean grooves! It was hard work at times but worth making the effort.
While peeling the paint, I started thinking about the parallels with human beings. Whether as leaders in our organizations or as individuals in our personal lives, we meet and work with people who appear to be ‘lost causes’. Those whom everybody has given up on. However, with focused attention, right strategies, appropriate tools, and continued support, these individuals have the potential to shine. This is one of the key responsibilities of a leader.
The experience also had me thinking about how things (and even people) may appear ugly at times but with love, care and attention, their true beauty re-emerges from under the unpleasant exterior. This was a much-needed reminder. As I work with junior team members, many a times my impatience gets the best of me. Even though I keep reminding myself to be more patient, sometimes stress takes its toll.
Happy to have had this opportunity to unwind and learn during the process😊
before
after
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