Carpe Diem in Business
The first presidential debate of the season took place the other night. Obama and Romney stepped onto the stage—-two 21st century gladiators. The anticipation was mind boggling; the event itself, anticlimactic. After two years of campaigning, could one 90-minute blip really be the watershed moment the “talking heads” predicted? Political theater aside, a more personal takeaway struck me while watching: Sometimes there is no next time, no second chance, no time out. Sometimes it is now or never. Talk about Carpe Diem!
The debacle got me thinking. Our lives are filled with inflection points and interactions that create lasting impressions. Daily, split second value judgments about family, friends, colleagues, companies and places impact our emotions, actions, reactions and decision making. Think about it. While engaged in an activity, how often have you thought to yourself:
· Are we hitting it off?
· Do I like this person?
· Is anyone listening?
· Why can’t I focus?
· Are we on the same page?
· What’s the point?
· Am I talking too much? Not enough?
· Do I really like this place?
· Do I agree?
Bottom line, every encounter matters and every behavior has its consequences—intended or otherwise.
Carpe Diem!
