Tag: blankets

Lessons from being a Dad Part 6 Small Things Transform Moments (4-26-17)

Last week was about the different kinds of value a blanket can bring.  Here is one of my favorite responses to last week’s blog from one of my favorite folks here at Lilly, “Essentially being a blanket that the team needs, is a sign of great leadership.  Providing value in your role will be your baseline expectation.  Making an impact to the team will help to demonstrate the leader you’re capable of becoming.”  As you reflect on that tasty morsel we will stick with blankets this week and think about how we can turn a normal occurrence into something special by doing something small.

The picture is from Violet’s birthday.  Normally, we eat lunch at a table together, but it was Violet’s birthday and we wanted to do something a little different for lunch before her party.  She loves picnics, but it was too cold outside, so instead we decided to put down a blanket and put on her favorite cartoon and we instantly had a cartoon party picnic.  Pretty awesome right?  I can tell you wish you could have a cartoon party picnic at work. 

In the above instance we took an experience and made it even better by doing something small.  We took an old blanket, put it on the ground, and instantly transformed the living room into something more.   

How does this connect with work?  If you think about what we ultimately do, we create experiences for people.  We create experiences for the patients we serve and we also create experiences as we work with each other.  In both cases, it’s easy to think that the only way we can have an impact is through some large gesture.  Don’t get me wrong, large gestures are nice, but they aren’t always feasible or necessary.  Often, it’s the small things that can transform one thing into a much better experience. 

As you think of the patients we serve, what small things can you do to make their experience better?  Do they always need something with lots of bells and whistles?  Maybe they need something smaller and more practical.  Something as simple as going the extra step to make sure that the materials they receive are simple and easy to understand.  Maybe it’s something like the packaging or delivery device. 

As you think of working with each other, what small things can you do to make the experience better?  Maybe it’s as simple as sending a meme about being awesome vs. just sending a “great job” generic email.  Maybe it’s as simple as saying, “I saw this and it reminded me of you,” to let them know you care.  Maybe it’s just a kind word and a high five.  Maybe it’s a hand-written note (I actually keep all of the ones I receive and I even reread them when I have crappy days.  I know. Sappy.  But if you’ve ever given me a handwritten note know I’ve got more value out of it then you will ever realize.)

The challenge: Are you doing the small things that can make a big difference?

Have a jolly good day,

Andrew Embry

Lessons from being a Dad Part 5 Blankets, True Function, and Value (4-19-17)

Last week was about keeping your eyes open for joy.  This week is about learning how to find different kinds of value in people and things.  We will explore this by thinking about blankets as they relate to keeping people warm, building forts, and defining value.  Overall, this is an entry about me being self-conscious about being valuable, so if you are ever there know you aren’t alone.

When I think of blankets I first think of their function.  Therefore, the value of a blanket is its ability to keep you warm.  However, kids don’t think about it this way.  To my daughters, a blanket can become a way to create a picnic space.  A blanket is a play mat for babies.  A blanket is also an important construction material for making forts.  A blanket can become a super hero cape, dance floor, boat to protect you from the lava, a matador cape, a hammock, etc.  When my daughters look at a blanket they value it for more than just its ability to keep you warm.

You might be wondering how this connects with work.  I’d like to share a story and then a connection.  Let’s rewind to when I just started in my role about 2.5 months ago.  People who know me, know that being goofy, offbeat, and constantly making quips and jokes is just what I do.  One day I made some joke and one of my teammates gave me a compliment, “I’m glad you’re on the team.  You’re bringing the fun factor.”  Sounds pretty good right?  It’s a really nice thing for someone to say, right?  The problem is I’m extremely self-conscious about providing what I have decided is “real value” to the team, so I respond by saying, “Thanks.  One day I hope to bring some actual value to the team.” (Jerk ungrateful move on my part).  Anyway, he responded, “Yeah, but the fun factor is value.  It’s worth something.”  That response made me stop and think.  I was so fixated on fulfilling what I thought my true function was that I discounted anything else I might have to offer.  I basically was saying, “I’m not providing the team any market research insights at this time, so I’m not worth much.”

Now think back to my daughters and blankets.  They value the blanket for many reasons beyond just its “true” function.  In my story, essentially the guy told me, “You make an awesome fort” and my response was to say, “Blankets aren’t for forts.”  The fact is there is value in building forts, because building forts is awesome!  There is value in using blankets as boats, capes, play mats, etc.  There is value in all of these things as well as the supposed “true” function a thing or a person is supposed to perform.  Bottom line: You are a blanket.  Yes, you keep people warm, but you do so many other things too.  I hope you understand how important all those other things you do are.  I hope you know you are valued and loved. 

The challenge: Do you see ALL of the value you provide?

Bonus:  Give recognition to someone today for the different value they bring to your team and your life.

Have a jolly good day,

Andrew Embry