Bring your brick

I was listening to an NPR story and the interviewee talked about "bringing your brick". The reference was not in regards to any type of rebellious act, but rather an analogy of how to participate effectively.

How often have you attended a meeting, convention or other group function then walked away feeling nothing positive was accomplished? The next question would be, "did you take your brick?" In other words, did you add something to the conversation to help build some type of value? Everyone has the ability to participate and, in that participation, you will add some value. I'll be the first to admit I've thrown out ideas that were not only off the wall, but flat bad. But those generated thought with other persons who found the holes in my thinking, then came up with other ideas which would have a more positive outcome. The old saying "there's no such thing as a bad idea", is true. Though some ideas will be better options, all ideas can generate more thinking and input from a group which generates a building process creating a positive solution.

Many years ago in a little corner of Southeast Kansas, a doctor knew that many

diseases could be spread in unsanitary areas. This resulted in the famous "Don't spit on the sidewalk bricks" which were used in many sidewalks through the area. He brought his brick LITERALLY!

When you go to work in the morning are you bringing a brick? Are you planning to throw it or add it to someone's and build something? It's now 2018. A new year and a new opportunity to practice being a better participant. With any luck, you'll need a wheelbarrow.

ps....if you want to read more on the brick click this link.