Reading Life's Signals
A few weeks ago, my friend and professional cyclist Paul mentioned how cycling sharpened his awareness of his surroundings. Racing in a pack demands constant focus and attention to teammates, competitors, and the environment. Over time, instincts sharpen, allowing you to sense what’s coming and read the subtle signals in a race. And it’s true, that this heightened awareness extends to our everyday life, nurturing an attentive mindset that is beneficial in a fast-paced environment at work or when people come together and you can read the room. It made me reflect on more experiences that shaped who I am— that weren’t always obvious. Here are two other examples:
I)
I got my first drum set at six and continued lessons until I was 19. While I occasionally helped out in bands, I mostly played at the local orchestra, where I had an incredible mentor who felt like an older brother. He encouraged me to tackle difficult pieces early on, teaching me to lead with my drumming. One memorable day, during a concert at a village festival in the Black Forest, to my surprise the conductor announced “Fascinating Drums”—a challenging piece featuring a solo. The orchestra and conductor had faith in me, pushing me into "cold water," confident I could rise to the occasion. And I did, given the applause of the village people.
Reflecting on my life, I see how often I’ve been pushed into the unknown with the trust and support of others. They were always there, ready to help or reassure me if needed. It made me take more risks and apply a “can do” mentality. As a leader, I encourage others to take those leaps and extend my trust in them, ensuring the challenges I present are within reach to earn their trust in me.
II)
Having grown up in a family full of opticians the tasks during my optical apprenticeship were somewhat familiar. I was a bit older than my peers and, thanks to my years in cycling, I was accustomed to structure, teamwork, and performance. I picked up skills quickly, and even took on projects beyond the curriculum. I enjoyed this period more than expected while ensuring my main duties and academic results were always top-notch. By the final exam after three years, everyone—including myself—fully expected an A+. I had practiced hand-edging lenses and soldering metal frames so often that I could do it with my eyes closed. Yet, on exam day, things went awry. I left knowing it wasn't my best work, even if it would pass. We all had higher expectations.
At my farewell party, my boss highlighted my outstanding apprenticeship and reminded everyone that exams can’t capture true value. He pointed out how I raised the bar, helped my peers excel, and created a positive environment. His words stayed with me. When I later was in the position to hire people, I remembered not to judge candidates solely on their results. During interviews I wanted to know more about people, how they react to on-the-spot feedback, and if they’re eager to grow. Over the years I focused more on personality, mentality, social intelligence, and work ethics. - the tools and skills to excel in the job we can provide and teach.
I invite you to reflect on the experiences that have shaped who you are today.
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