I knew an executive who used to joke that if you had a group of people in a room, judging by appearance he'd be the last one you'd guess was the boss.
He was right. He was also one of the best executives I've ever known.
When I first got out of the Army, I used to miss the easy way you could learn a great deal about someone just by scanning a uniform. Rank, unit, and various medals provided a quick read. It was hardly the whole story but you were several chapters in.
I caught myself playing the same game the other day. While having breakfast in a Flagstaff hotel, I begin to analyze one of the guests. He was dressed casually - I suspect he was going to the Grand Canyon - but his jacket and shoes were expensive. He had an excellent haircut and was eating lightly. A subdued and controlled manner gave him a certain air of authority.
I may have been completely wrong but I doubt it.
When I was in high school, my friends and I used to play similar games. We'd sit in a cafe or food court and analyze passersby, never cruelly but with the idea of noticing small things which might indicate something more important.
We were strange kids. Thank God I've left all that behind.
4 comments:
You actually spent time practicing awareness of your surroundings?
What a quaint notion. (Nowadays, I mean.)
Though my focus is usually personal security, I find it important to do this habitually.
Larry,
I know. It's very old-fashioned.
It is stunning how many people wander about while paying little attention to their surroundings.
A good practice in general: Mindfulness, both internal and external.
Michael
The air of authority. Hard to define, but easy to see if you try.
Daniel,
Absolutely.
Michael
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