by Michael E. Garrett
In my personal journeys through the gauntlet of first becoming included to the feeling of belonging, there have been many lessons learned. Let me share a few of those.
Being included is just the starting point. Whether attained by the will of the people or by decree, having a seat at the table represents an opportunity. The ultimate goal is to reach the status of belonging.
First, I learned that belonging is a two-way process. One must be willing to participate in the process in order to receive its benefits.
Second, belonging means you feel a sense of genuine acceptance.
Third, there is a sense of value and worth.
And, fourth, there is an air of sincere trust.
Let me give you three personal examples. When I met one of my dearest friends (who at this writing is clinging to life), he openly accepted me. My blindness did not stop us from developing a full-fledged friendship.
Next, the year was 1994 (the year I outperformed all of my colleagues), and during our morning investment briefing, there were portfolio managers on the call from El Paso to Miami. As we were discussing a crucial matter, one of the managers said, “What does Michael say? I always make money on his recommendations!”
Then, there was my mother-in-law. She was very skeptical of me as Carolyn and I married at age 20. But after several years of watching me take care of her daughter and my family, I became like a son to her.
What I ultimately learned on my personal journey to belonging was that someone cared enough to look beneath the surface to see if I had something to offer. I believe that is a lesson for us all: take time to value one another; take time to discover another’s character, and you’ll never know what a jewel you might find.