Two days ago I wrote about embracing the “collective genius” within my office and I encouraged you to share your stories. Thanks so much to everyone who wrote back, including Paul.

Paul’s response:

You said you would like to hear from us – so here goes. First, let me say I enjoy getting “Morning Conversations,” -thanks for sharing.

 

I’ve been a roofing contractor for over two decades. And, if every roof were the same and we never had to solve any problems, I don’t think I’d have enjoyed my work as much as I have. But every roof isn’t the same, and rain, snow and condensation are insidious. So we’re often faced with, not only keeping moisture from getting in, but getting moisture (condensation) out of the home.

 

I remember showing up on a job site years ago where we had several guys working and a problem to figure out. We needed a way to get air to flow from under the eave, over an odd-shaped roof surface and out a ridge vent. I may have served as the catalyst, but it was the combined mental work of the men on that crew that finally came up with the best solution. From that day on, I realized that sometimes 3 heads are better than 2, 4 are better than 3, and so on.

 

Most of the guys working with me aren’t educated in the traditional sense, but after watching them work with their hands and their minds, I believe they’re some of the smartest people I’ve ever met. – Paul

I love it, Paul! That is awesome.

Your story reminds me of something my neighbor told me the other day about how he recently found out that his new employee can barely read or write, but that he is one of the best problem solvers he’s ever seen when it comes to repairs and maintenance projects. He said he solves problems that even the experienced engineers struggle with.

Sometimes the smartest people you’ll ever meet or work with come from the most unlikely backgrounds. This is why it’s so important that we keep our judgement in check and our minds open.

It’s along the same lines of Good Will Hunting (one of my favorite movies). Genius can be found where we least expect it. We root for Will because he defies convention, he exists outside of what we imagine when we think of a math prodigy. If we look around, we sometimes find that the people we’d least expect it from have their own form of genius in some way.

Have you encountered a person like that? 
Do you have an unlikely problem solver in your life? 
Have you ever been that person yourself? 
If you have a story to share, I’d love to hear it.

Until next time,

– Mike

P.S. – I’ll be interviewing Kim Deugan, the director of Advocates Against Family Violence, live on the radio today at 3pm. Tune in 89.9fm or 93.5fm.

P.P.S. We had 2 new members sign up for IMPACT CLUB BOISE yesterday!

Thank you for your commitment to our community. You’re awesome!

Next event is March 7th, event details:  click here

P.P.P.S If you are interested in learning about the current state of the local real estate market, here is 4 min market update video. Boise hit a new record this past month, may not be what your thinking…