#Baseball333

Hi Friend

It has been another wild week of the unexpected and surprising. I love a life that keeps me on my toes. You'd think since it's my life, I'd have a better handle on what might appear in my days. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. Which makes waking up a treat. Who knows what this day could hold?!

Last weekend though, I was very aware and intentional. It was the most memorable Memorial Day Weekend ever. My great friend Randy and I did a whirlwind baseball tour. Three games in three cities in three days! We started in Chicago, then onto Boston, finally spending Sunday in Detroit. It was glorious. #Baseball333

I have been to Chicago numerous times, since my son lives there. I had never been to Boston and this was my second time to Detroit. We did a night game in Chicago. Our afternoon game in Boston got bumped to the evening because of rain. The Detroit game started before noon. It was everything I hoped and so much more!

As a man dedicated to understanding how different work environments enable people to thrive, it was a masterclass of shaping spaces. We watched the exact same game being played, but each encounter was significantly different.

POSITION

In Chicago we were in the upper deck. Our view was broad. Have you ever been with someone in a meeting and when you left, your experience was entirely different than theirs, though you both were in the same place, hearing the same things? That happens because of the position we perceive ourselves to hold.

We get frustrated with others when they don't take our position, when it's obviously the right one. 😜 Tensions ignite from disagreement. In Boston we were 9 rows from the field. The game, players and experience was uniquely unalike. Same game, different position, entirely different perspective.

MINDSHIFT

What if we just let each person have their own perspective from their position, instead of trying to get them to see ours?

SPACE

I love Fenway Park! From the Big Green Monster Wall to the underbelly of steel girding that felt like we were in a mining shaft, the place is old and filled with legendary spirits. Compared to the two modern ball parks we were in, Fenway's design brings everyone in the place substantially closer to the field. Which generated that much more electricity in the crowd.

The place was alive! From those walking the aisles selling beer and peanuts, to the crowd boo'ing the pitcher for considering throwing to a base-runner, the momentum of the human spirit was palpable. I'm not a Bostonian, but on that day I felt like one... and wanted to be one!

MINDSHIFT

What if we designed and created spaces in our homes and offices that intentionally fostered interactions that invigorated the souls of all who entered?

SKILL

Chicago had the best hot dogs. Boston had the best crowd experience. Detroit had the best game. Detroit's pitcher went all 9 innings throwing less than 100 pitches at the average speed of 95mph! He was a powerhouse phenom.

Being skilled and excellent is magnetic. We can't look away from people who consistently show up and contribute competent artistry in meaningful, distinguished ways. You and I desire to possess such qualities.

What is your most excellent skill?

SHIFTING

I hope this week you appreciate another's position perspective, are content with yours and get to demonstrate excellence in a way that inspires others. You're a baller! ⚾️ #ShiftAway