As we wrapped up the semester we again were able to look back and get the reminder of the value of relevance, which as we have noted before is what has kept people like Snoop Dog and even Willie Nelson atop the relevance list regardless of age…because they are curious learners with a willingness to adjust thoughts and ideas vs. impose “they way it used to be.”
We received more than a few reminders of this down the stretch of the semester, once was when I made a reference to the acclaimed actress Debra Winger and got blank stares, but the other was when I mentioned “Isiah Thomas” in class, and a student from the Boston area remarked excitedly…’I loved watching him play for the Celtics.” Um no, that’s the other Isiah Thomas, I was referencing the Hall of Fame legend former star of the Bad Boys of Detroit Pistons fame, who when I mentioned that the student immediately said.. “oh, right he is the TV guy now.”
Isiah Thomas, the TV guy. Hey it’s better than another blank stare.
What these interactions continue to remind us of is that our frame of reference always needs to be resized to the audience, and having references stress tested with those you are trying to connect with is invaluable. Your frame doesn’t fit theirs sometimes, and updating and cleaning up those frames from time to time gives us a new window on where we are and what’s relevant today, while also serving as a teaching tool of best practices of the past for those listening and also willing to learn.
Keeps us all relevant as we head into those multigenerational holiday discussions.
Falalalalala
Guest Post: Sport For Good, Looking Back and Springing Ahead..