To Surprise and Delight

So every Sunday for years I’ve listened to public radio’s Krista Tippett’s interviews. First when I was doing breakfast for guests at my Inn. It was a very casual laid morning, with a buffet of coffee cakes, muffins, sweet butter, house jam & jellies, juices, and coffee as a first course, there was always time between making the next set of omelets. Since leaving that life, on Sunday mornings I’m more able to focus on the entire program and now appreciate them even more. Last Sunday she interviewed Seth Godin. Now I knew of Mr. Godin, but only vaguely. He was that internet guy, writer, thoughtful…yeah yeah yeah. However, since listening on Sunday, I’ve gone to his website, signed up for his daily blog updates, because there are a few of his remarks that just stick. You know those ideas that come into your mind, and for some reason, your mind won’t let go!

He described the change from a small business economy some decades ago, to that of big business where my parents and others of their generation went to work. They enjoyed the stability of a big brother employer, steady job, steady income, steady benefits, unheard of health benefits!, just do as told, when as told, and expect to enjoy the golden years. And it worked. There are lots of retirement communities, many in warmer climates, where folks enjoy their later years.

My 85 year old mother shared an interesting story Sunday while we were listening. She was a factory worker for some 30 years. At a meeting with management she and others were told to understand how lucky they were to be working all those years at one job, because the future generation would certainly not have that luxury. They would work an average of 14 jobs in that time. Hmmmm….everything makes me think.

As Mr. Godin shared, times are again changing, as there are fewer and fewer big business employers and we are once again left to our own to create our own futures. How frightening is that! But here we are…..many trying to earn a living, at some enterprise that will earn them at least sufficient money to put food on the table and a roof over their family’s heads.

Here’s the part that has caught my attention. In this new world order, we can’t just show up. From Seth Godin’s Sunday blog, just “Showing up and taking notes isn't your job. Your job is to surprise and delight and to change the agenda. Your job is to escalate, reset expectations and make us delighted….” Surprise and delight; that’s what I have stuck in my mind. It’s a tall order, well worth pursuing, but how on earth?