Michael LaGrasta

I'm going to attempt to coin a phrase.

"Even the smartest man can learn something from an imbecile."
- Michael LaGrasta, November 2008

Despite the possible lack of originality there, please allow me to explain.

I take a little pride in my ability to work with a wide range of coworker personalities in a pretty smooth manner. Years ago I learned that I don't need to agree with someone, or even enjoy their company, to treat them with respect and to be productive together. In fact, with one sad notable exception, I have never had a problem with a co-worker that I couldn't work out. Here's where the new quote comes in. I was thinking about how important it is to learn from others. How valuable and diverse your knowledge can become when you learn from others who have had experiences so totally different than your own. Or even having experiences exactly like your own, but handling them in a different way. Surely, there is nothing I've written so far to change any one's world view dramatically. But here is what I want to challenge myself to do:

Learn something from everyone, even if you think you are smarter than them.

Yup, even if you think they are as dumb as dirt, find something they can teach you. Even if you disagree with them completely (which may also lead to the dumb as dirt assessment) learn something. Oh it's easy to pay attention and learn from some brilliant individual that you agree with. Sure, they'll keep your attention and you won't even question the value of listening to every word. But what about when someone challenges you with thier bad attitude or poor communication? What can you learn from them? I can't tell you that, but you'll find it if you really look.

Perhaps you'll learn nothing more than your colleague hates mexican food. At least, you'll know where not to take him to lunch on his birthday. But maybe you'll learn more. Maybe, you'll learn why he loves that program that you hate so much. Maybe you'll learn some new shortcut to bypass that crowded on-ramp. Or maybe you'll just learn more about who you don't want to be. My point is, you CAN learn something from every single person you will ever meet. Don't let those opportunities pass you by.