At the recommendation of a new colleague, I’m reading the book, Improv Wisdom. I’m finding it inspiring, liberating, refreshing and, dare I say, spiritual!
Throughout my career, I’ve mostly worked for large organizations and cultivated a passion for working with teams. I like that teams are agile, have their own microcosm and, while small, they all have the potential to be mighty. Likewise, while I love a good department store, my heart goes out to the “main street” boutiques, small businesses and their owners who give it their all, often risking everything to follow a dream; they, too, are small but mighty.
Small businesses seldom benefit from having an HR/OD Department, a Comms division, an EAP or an EID Department; they are risk takers. The small business owner wears many caps (as I’m learning via the establishment of my own LLC less than one year ago)! It’s both frightening and exhilarating to see where this journey will lead me.
Embracing deep reflection and the voice of my inner sage, I keep hearing, “stay true to yourself, follow your passion, do what you love, don’t sell out. Give it time. Trust in the process. Be the Storm.” While I love working for large organizations, working with teams, small cohorts and small businesses is a developing niche for me.
Back to the book, Improv Wisdom. The fifth maxim, “Be average” may seem in contrast to traditional peak performance maxims, but it cites, “Do what is natural, what is easy, what is apparent to you. Your unique view will be a revelation to someone else.”
By default, each of us is uniquely individual – an original, like the small boutiques; all this set my mind to bother wander and wonder… and a whimsical poem welled up inside me. Borrowing from a childhood favorite, I’m calling it, “The Little Boutique that Could:”
The Little Boutique that Could (by Jeannie Jones)
Compared to the Department Store out at the mall, the Little Boutique once felt quite small.
The Department Store boasted selection galore, while options were limited at the Boutique store.
The Department Store loomed tall and large, but the Boutique recalled, “a little tugboat can push a barge.”
Chugging full steam ahead, agile, and strong, the Little Boutique didn’t feel insecure long.
She dressed up her windows, served tea and welcomed guests; she was grateful, humble always doing her best.
She knew her employees and patrons by name; the Department Store workers could not say the same.
Granted, the Department Store had way more selection, but the Boutique’s service was simply perfection.
She stayed true to herself, her purpose and passion, knowing grace and kindness are always in fashion.
The Department Store culture was rampant with grievances, but the Little Boutique enjoyed steadfast allegiances.
The Department Store soon closed falling short of expectations while the Little Boutique opened other locations.
So, find your niche and be true to yourself, you’re a boutique and not off the shelf.
The End
If you’re looking for inspiration, to ignite and jump start 2023, to deepen relationships on your team and activate your “best self,” I’d love to work with you. You’ll get the boutique treatment 😊.
