Little Fish in a Big Pond

It's good to be back!  We took several months off to help plan and work on the 2012 West Michigan Professionals Leadership Summit.  The Summit is done, we had a great time and learned a lot, but now it's time to get back to business.  You can learn more about the Summit at www.theprosforum.com.

 

As I sat back and watched the Summit unfold (from planning to implementation), I took a lot of notes and silently observed from the sidelines.   As the day progressed, I realized there were a lot of little fishes who have been thrown into the big pond and are swimming as fast as they can for survival.  The 'little fishes' being those who are trying to find their place in the world. More so, young professionals.  The 'big fishes' are those who are already established and have put their mark on the world.   One question kept coming to mind: "What separates a little fish from a big fish?"  Here is what I came-up with:

 

Big fishes have already invested their time, put in the hardwork and built a reputation that has brought them (and sometimes not) credibility.   They are established, educated and well spoken, but can be, at times, disconnected from the world around them. 

 

Little fishes are starting out in the professional world and working hard to find where they belong or fit-in.  Some little fishes are aggressive and fast swimmers, while others are quietly swimming by and waiting for their chance to swim with the big fishes.  

 

Big fish or little fish, we all want the same thing: to be successful, respected and to feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment.   Big fishes sometimes forget what it was like to be a little fish and do not provide the much needed leadership and mentoring to our little fishes who are going to be someday running the world.   Big fishes need to share their stories, provide guidance, advice and strong leadership to our little fishes.   It is important to remember that little fishes bring a lot to our world, they are tech savvy, educated, community minded and are politically motivated.   Big fish or little fish, we all have something to offer and swimming together, can make positive changes in the world around us.

 

Next:  Where did I Misplace my Career?