As I consider my first holiday party of the season tonight, it comes to mind the #1 question most people ask each other when they meet at such an occasion.
"What do you do?"
Which, as we all know, really means, "I have to ask you something to make conversation, and can't come up with anything else".
And how do most people answer?
"I'm an xyz for ABC company", etc, etc....
Why?
That's NOT what they 'do'.
That's what they do to make money.
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Some people certainly define themselves by their work. They 'live to work', rather than, 'work to live'.
I hope those folks are the non-profit directors of the world, or work in an industry that is creating something for the greater good. The rest....
....Do what inspires them to commute and deal with mediocre managers! They do things that make the 9-5 feel more like 10-3. They don't define themselves by their work, even if they love their jobs.
Work is important to them, but life outside of work trumps the corporate grind. They are dynamic people with diverse interests and pursuits. They 'DO' more than we can ever imagine.
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So, as you make the trip through the party circuit the next 3 weeks, when someone asks you, "What do you do?"; tell them exactly that.
You play cards, parent, mentor, travel, sing, learn, stay fit, explore, volunteer, act...
THAT's what you 'do'!
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It will shock some to hear this response, and will no doubt make a few people pause. It will force them out of their comfort zone, wondering why you haven't given the traditional response.
This will you tell you a lot about a person. Pay close attention to their reaction.
There are skeptics everywhere.
Most will be relieved to hear that they just engaged a person with personality, spirit, thoughtfulness and verve.
Lively conversation will follow.
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Some ideas on conversation starters.
- "What do you do for fun"?
- "How did you meet your wife; partner; friend..."?
- "What are you thankful for this time of year"?
- "Tell me about that sweater; tie, watch...".
- ANYTHING EXCEPT.......
............"What do you do"? !!!!
