One of CeCe’s bucket list travel destinations is Ireland. As we embarked on an eight-day adventure with Dave and Tonya Stende, who will arrive in two days, I found myself standing in the rental car line in Dublin, Ireland. After waiting in line for an hour, I was told that a mid-size Volvo XC 60 was all he could provide me, yet I had reserved and paid for a full-size in advance. I will never get CeCe’s and Tonya’s luggage in this small SUV.
For another 900 Euros, I can secure a full-size SUV, the Volvo XC90, which I am compelled to comply with or waste another day of our vacation explaining how I reserved and paid for a full-size SUV. After signing the papers, the live learning experience started in the parking lot when I tried to get in on the wrong side of the vehicle. The steering wheel and controls are located on the right side of the SUV and everything is different as you drive on the left side of the highway. Right turns are particularly tricky and I can already feel my stress level peaking and accelerating due to lack of sleep.
Fast learning and quick changes made for a very stressful trip to the hotel. The second day of driving, which was more extended but also included a ride into the countryside, was less stressful. By the third day, I could feel my confidence building and it was becoming very natural for me.
This stress, this lack of confidence, this continuous learning, the need for quick decisions, and the building of new skills are exactly what we feel in today’s business transformation. Learning and navigating AI is very similar to my experience of driving on the left side of the road after 51 years of experience on the right side of the road.
I’m so glad I did not delay getting the SUV and starting my learning process. I want to encourage each of you to be aggressive with AI and the other new technologies that are changing our business and personal lives. It takes practice with some trial and error, so jump behind the wheel and take them for a spin.
Expect to feel uneasy, uncomfortable, and even stressed — you are human. Just as my ability to learn the left side of the road opened new sights and opportunities for CeCe and me, the same will be true for you, your business, and your career as you push to the forefront to be a lifelong learner.
CeCe, did I miss our turn for the hotel?
Yes, I said turn three times.
That’s so confusing, it seems the opposite of what you would expect.
John O’Leary says, “Read it now! This journey in Leading with Significance to build a magnetic workplace reveals not only where God, faith and belonging intersect to create a magnetic culture but practical ideas and poignant stories to ensure you create it within your organization.”
Grab your copy of Leading with Significance to find more magnetic insights to help you on your unique journey.
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