As the founder of VIM Executive Coaching in Denver, Colorado, I have often been asked (not only in seminars or one-on-one discussions) if the life’s lessons I teach have any applicability in the real world. The question is usually posed in this manner:
“Sure, I can see where business coaching might help in business, but what about life? What use is any concept such as authenticity or mindfulness when I’m out shopping for tires?”
My answer might surprise people, for concepts such as mindfulness or being authentic and responsive are even more valid in our everyday interactions. Allow me to relate an absolutely true interaction.
Under Construction
For many years, I have been patronizing a diner that is also across the street from my dentist’s office. The owner of the diner is fairly friendly. He may not be my best friend, but we have certainly had a cordial relationship.
My dentist’s office is in a six-story building that has been under renovation for the past two and a half years. Parking is always impossible, but on a recent Monday, the same day I had a dentist’s appointment, I could not find a space anywhere and time was getting very short.
As it was early in the morning I decided to take a chance and park in the diner’s parking lot, dash across the street, get my cavity filled run back and be on my way. As I was leaving my car I thought I heard a voice shout at me. I initially ignored it then the voice grew louder. It was the owner. He yelled at me that the lot was for customers only, and that I should find a space on the street. He didn’t recognize me.
In the moment, I wondered what I should do. It isn’t “his” parking lot. There are a few other businesses. Yet, I decided – then and there – that I was somewhat in the wrong, and he was in the right. I was hurt that he didn’t recognize me. It is his business and his parking lot is needed for his commerce. I got in my car, drove off and I told the dentist about it to see if perhaps I was missing a point of view. The owner of the diner is about 74. The dentist wondered if maybe the owner of the diner didn’t recognize me because he might have cataracts.
There then, is the crux of the matter. By not reacting to try to save face or to do something egotistical, I swallowed my pride, got back in my car and found a space up the block. By talking to the dentist, I might have stumbled on the key for why the owner of the diner couldn’t see me from fifteen or twenty yards away. He has his own problems. There was no point in fighting a silly fight where I had little ground upon which to stand.