What is it that motorcycles riders (or bikers, if you prefer), sailors and some runners have in common? They wave to one another as they pass on the road or on the water. I don’t ride a motorcycle, but I do sail and I do run. And I noticed something very interesting.
Whenever I’m on the water, anytime I pass another boat we wave to one another. It just happens. It is our expected cultural norm. The only exceptions are those folks who aren’t really sailors – who just rented a boat for a day. But anyone who spends anytime on the water knows – you wave to acknowledge your fellow sailors. It’s like a silent salute to our shared passion and love of the water. It builds this strong sense of community. All with a simple wave.
I also run. I used to run a lot when I was young, but largely fell out of the habit. As I started to travel more, I found that running helped to settle me and get me into the groove. So I now run in almost every city I visit. As I run, I give a little wave – a flick of my hand, really – to other runners as we pass on the street. Some return it. But many more do not. Maybe it’s because running is a much more solitary activity. Maybe because many people are doing it just for fitness rather than out of passion. I am not sure, but I do know this – I have nowhere near the same sense of community when it comes to running as I do with sailing. The wave is missing and with it, the opportunity to forge a much stronger bond.
It made me think. Do we have a similar issue in the world of IT. Do we “wave” at each other as we pass in life? Do we acknowledge each other and silently salute our shared passion? I think that as IT professionals, we are more like runners than sailors. Some give the wave, but many more do not. And as a result, there is a lack of real community amongst us. I believe that we need to change this. I believe that we need to forge a strong community of professionals that share a genuine passion for what we do.
And I think that it can all start with a wave. (Both literally and figuratively.)
Try this. For the next week, when you walk by anyone in IT, acknowledge them. Say “Hi” or give them a little wave – or even a little nod. Even if you don’t know them – especially if you don’t know them. Even if they don’t work for the same company as you. Give them that knowing nod or smile that says “Welcome to the club. We’re on the same team and I’m glad.”
See what happens. I’m willing to bet that you will feel more connected to those around you. I bet that spirits will be a little bit brighter in your department or organization. And I’m pretty sure that you will feel just a little bit happier that you are an IT professional. Go on. It’s not hard. Just give a little wave and a smile and watch what happens.
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