The Scariest Thing to Ever Happen at Work

“There’s a snake in my car!”

20 years ago, those exact words came out of my mouth after leaving work one day. But before I get ahead of myself, let me start from the beginning.

At the age of 22 I was working in the offices for a major small parcel company. For the sake of this story let’s call them ‘LedEx’ (I know, very subtle). I was a heavy paper pusher, but it was better than being on the ground floor working packages on the conveyor belt. In some ways I felt like I had ‘made it’ by moving up and not having to punch a clock anymore.?

Working in the office I never really ever had issues with anyone, but this day was different. A discussion broke between a few of us, and it had nothing to do with work. It was one of those conversations that involved either sports, region or politics. You know, where everyone shares their opinion and only listens to respond and not to understand. One guy who I always got along with, took issue with my stance on a topic. But I was unfazed and stood my ground on what I believed. That was rare for me because I was usually the type to be a people pleaser and did everything to be accepted and liked. Even if it meant going against my better judgment (there’s a lesson here that I’ll use for another week).

After that conversation I walked out of the office brimming with confidence while the sun was shining down on me. It was a good day. Until it wasn’t.

I hopped into my car, a black 1987 Honda Accord. It was a little banged up being manufactured 15 years earlier, but it had power everything and was fully paid off. I pulled out of the parking spot, pumped up my music and opened my moonroof. Just as I was leaving the office driveway, I saw something move in the corner of my eye. I looked down and there it was. A snake slithering from under the passenger seat up towards the bottom of the dashboard.?

“OH @$%#!!!”?

I can’t remember exactly what I said but I'll leave it to your imagination. And I must have had an out of body experience because I have no idea how I was able to pump the brakes, put the car in park, open the door and jump out in a matter of seconds. I stood there in disbelief with my car’s engine still running. Worst of all I had no clue where the snake was and how I was going to get it out.?

A few minutes passed and a couple of other employees drove around me with concerned looks on their faces but didn’t stop long enough to find out what had happened. But one employee did stop. Take a wild guess who that was. Of course, it was the brother I had a disagreement with earlier. He pulled his car window down and asked, “What’s up?”. To which I panically replied, “There’s a snake in my car!”

We stood there for a few minutes looking at the car and each other wondering what to do. A truck driver pulled over and tried to get the snake out by mercilessly slamming the side of my car with a wooden two-by-four shouting “Get out snake, get out!!” That of course didn’t work, and we were back to square one.

Then out of nowhere my coworker has an epiphany and starts talking like he’s voicing over a National Geographic documentary. “Reptiles are cold blooded and get uncomfortable with extreme heat. If we turn up the heater and close the car doors and windows, he might come out on his own”. It was a great idea. But I was traumatized once already and wasn’t going near my car. He got the hint and headed towards the car to execute that plan.?

Scary things happen in our careers. Sometimes we need to be humble enough to rely on the ideas of others.?

In less than a minute we watched the snake slowly move out from underneath my car and onto the ground. I almost felt bad for the little guy. But I came to my senses and reminded myself a snake had been in my car. I gave my coworker a bro hug and thanked him for helping out. From our disagreement earlier he could have easily driven by. But in the spirit of humanity, he chose the better route.?

Somewhere in this story there are themes about collaborating with those we don’t initially agree with or finding common ground with people who don’t share the same opinions. Maybe the theme should be when scary things happen in our careers, sometimes we need to be humble enough to rely on the ideas of others.?

Or maybe I just wanted to share this fun story today. Happy Halloween!

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Here’s a quick recap of the last 3 Newsletter editions!

Week 4: Change Your Work Life By Doing This One Thing

Key Concept: Though it sometimes may not feel like it, we hold the ability to see our current job and work environment through new lenses every day.

Practical Step: We can begin to ask ourselves, “What am I good at? What do I enjoy doing? What problems does this organization overall need to solve? What do I need to do to be involved in solving it?” When we feel a lack of creative opportunities, be curious enough to search for them.

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Week 5: Dodging the Social Mirror

Key Concept: The Social Mirror Theory is when we choose to view ourselves from the opinions of others and give them the right to interpret the direction of our life and career. Self-reflection isn’t possible without taking into consideration someone else’s opinion of our experience.

Practical Step: Discovering our 'why' and pursuing our true purpose will keep us focused on the right things. Living authentically disrupts the cultural norm and allows others around us to confidently do the same.

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Week 6: Making an Impact While Making an Income

Key Concept: Companies who provide opportunities for purposeful impact at work end up having some of the most innovative ideas and leave employees fulfilled.

Practical Step: As organizations and individuals we can aim to reconsider our own ideas of success and begin to align our purposes to accommodate the needs of others.

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Sheldon Barrocks?is an author, freelance writer and?Award-winning?Supply Chain professional. Since 2010 he has published articles covering business, career advancement, creativity, pop culture, music, fashion, sports and more. He's provided creative solutions for major brands like?Mars, Kelloggs, General Mills, Conagra, B&G Foods, Ingredion, Henkel and more. Check out his book?Unstuck Mondays?and join his?mailing list?to level up in your creativity and career!