This probably seems a bit contradictory to some, but the truth is that I am being humbled and gaining great deals of confidence by doing this program with Southwestern. Along the way I am learning quite a bit about myself -- most of it is fairly negative which only adds to the humility.
I am being humbled from all sides.
I am performing below average in terms of sales. I have slightly above average work stats in a few categories, but as the stats require more and more skill to achieve and less forced work I am under-performing in comparison with my peers and years of people doing this. I am supposed to work 80 hours a week, which is no problem, in fact it is practically required. I am supposed to get 30 demos a day, which is also no problem. Unfortunately, I have not been able to sit down with 12 families in a day with the exception of one day last week -- I somehow got thirteen. The average person in Southwestern probably gets about 30 strong units a day. I don't do that either. I've been getting around 50 to 60 for three weeks now.
I am also humbled because one of my three organizational leaders -- the one I call my stats in to every night -- is frustrated with me. He feels like I am performing beneath my potential. Also, another student manager of mine has essentially stopped speaking to me. I'm not sure why. I just know that she was frustrated with me too.
Confidence is increasing constantly though. I am getting better at my job. I am getting better at dealing with people. I am becoming quicker at dealing with people's objections and quick on my feet with the jokes again now that I've figured out Alabama humor. Now I have absolutely zero reservation with talking to a complete stranger, and I have no problem with making a fool of myself in front of one either. I daily dance like a chicken in front of a Huddle House that is on the most important road in town. So, I also do this on patios and proches across Marshall County for laughs. Whatever... Why not?
I am discovering things about myself constantly. I am realizing new strengths and new weaknesses. I am realizing that being good at things only matters if you are in an enviroment where those strengths are valued. Adaptaility is so key right now, and even though I always felt adaptable I seem to be unable to don this hat or wear the clothes of a salesman.
Soon I will.
Posted by David at June 21, 2004 11:20 PM"I am realizing that being good at things only matters if you are in an enviroment where those strengths are valued." How profound!! I think I'll keep that quote in mind for this week. Just remember not to lose those qualities that your G-ville crowd loves so much about you... all of your "thinking too much" and being emotional and compassionate for others. We hope that you will become a better person from this summer, not a different person.
Try to keep the good qualities of who you are and only replace the weak areas of your person. As you know, you may have to really emphasize different (learned) qualities this summer for your job, but please don't completely lose those other wonderful qualities that make all of us love you so much!
Props to Joy in the above comment....It's quite impressive that you can see how this tough situation has enhanced certain qualities within you, yet, in respect to the Chicken Dance, I am deeply troubled and worried to this alteration in character :-) I don't know if I can be affiliated with someone who dances in such a way, and in front of a Huddle House no less!! Oh, do you have no allegiance to Waffle House! Just playin....no matter your choreography, will still love ya.
Posted by: JennJula at June 23, 2004 02:19 PMDon't be discouraged by not meeting the expectations of your leaders. You've already learned and improved so much. Besides your goal is to please God, not others. So long as you are doing God's will, everything else is just little stuff.
I love ya and can't wait to see you when you get back.
P.S
Joy's blogging! You should feel special!
Hey! I've finally done it! I have something of a conversation on my blog! Woohoo! I was told it would take about a year or so for it to happen, and it seems like it has arrived slightly ahead of schedule.
Jenn -- I don't think there is a Waffle House in this town. That'll give you an idea as to the size of this place, right?
J.Bean -- I do feel special! I feel special whenever anyone blogs!
Posted by: David at June 23, 2004 11:59 PM