This is the last in the series about lessons I’ve learned from performing poetry.  We’ve talked about finding your voice, performing your version of dope poems, emotionsmithing, walking in the shoes of other people with persona poems, and last week we talked about bombing and moving on.  I’d like us to finish by reflecting on what a poet does and how that connects to life and work.

If I asked you what an artist or a poet does, what would you say?  I’d argue that an artist captures thoughts, moments, emotions, insights, etc., explores them in different ways, and then shares them with others.  A poet captures, explores, and shares those things using words, rhythm, and literary devices as opposed to colors, musical notes, clay, etc.  This might sound really basic, but it’s had an impact on the way I live and experience life.  When I first started writing I always assumed I had to wait for the muse to give me secrets.  Over time, I’ve realized that there are emotions, moments, insights, etc. around every corner that are worth capturing, examining, and sharing.

Here are a few of those positive and negative things that are worth capturing, exploring, and sharing.  It’s the moment when you answer a phone, hear breathing, and know the next sentence is going to be bad news.  It’s the couple on their first date inside of a restaurant, their nervous energy seen in every flirtatious movement.  It’s the sun shining down reminding you that at least you have its rays for today to keep you warm.  It’s the dog smiling as it waits for a belly rub.  It’s the first time you know what love is. 

So what does this have to do with anything?  There are ways this connects to life and the way this connects to work.  On the work side of things, if you think about what we do we spend a bulk of our time trying to understand people the moment they become patients.  We capture these insights, look at them from different angles, and then share them between cross-functional teams so we can better help individuals.  We make medicines to change that moment of pain or fear into something different.  The challenge at work is how often do we really stop to capture and explore those moments, looking at them from a variety of angles and perspectives?  On the life side of things, how often do we truly pay attention and observe what is happening around us?  If you’re anything like me, I can get lost looking for huge signs, for the muse, and I miss the little things that are so impactful.  Just taking the time to witness and allow ourselves to truly feel these things, good and bad, makes a world of difference in how you experience life.  Life is so much richer once you experience its depths. 

The challenge: Are you capturing, exploring, and sharing these moments to make the world around you better?

Bonus Question: What are some of your favorite “small” moments you’ve witnessed at work?  Here are some of mine:

• Opening up a handwritten note.
• The first time you feel you are providing value in a new role.
• Watching someone nail something that they were nervous about.
• When a person you’ve always seen potential in has a second where they realize they are awesome.
• When you’re presenting for a tough audience and someone gives you an encouraging smile.
• When the person who is always a tough critic gives you a compliment.

Have a jolly good day,

Andrew Embry