Unexpected Learning Opportunities

by Clint Maun, CSP

Can you learn from all people? Once when Abraham Lincoln was visiting the Union front lines during the Civil War, a young aide was showing him around. Lincoln wanted to take a look at the enemy, so he stood up, top hat and all. As musket fire began coming his way, the aide, named Oliver Wendell Holmes, took Lincoln's arm and dragged him to safety saying, "Get down, you fool!

Later the young aide worried about his nasty remark. How would the Commander in Chief react to such disrespect? His concern disappeared when Lincoln found him before leaving and said, "Good-bye, Colonel Holmes. I'm glad to see you know how to talk to a civilian."

I believe this story has a very important message. Abraham Lincoln was able to learn a valuable lesson from an aide's hasty remark. Lincoln had the understanding to be thankful for the information regardless of how it was given.

Can you accept information and ideas from other people no matter what their life circumstances, occupation, position, rank, or age? Successful people learn from people in all situations. Paying attention to life's unexpected learning opportunities gives us all kinds of rewards.