Plate Spinning
A few months ago, I had to explain what the expression “plate spinning” means to one of the younger members of our department. He had just been promoted from a design engineering position to a position that required more project management responsibility. As I was explaining to him about the challenges of staying on top of all the different aspects of his new job, I used the expression “plate spinning”, and he looked at me with a puzzled look.
I explained to him what the expression meant, and I thought to myself “I am getting old.”
Plate spinning was a popular “talent” exhibited on television shows like The Ed Sullivan Show. I seem to remember seeing it for the first time on The Bozo Show.
I use the phrase all the time as it often describes very well the self-inflicted challenge I face by trying to accomplish too many things at the same time.
I’m glad I could educate my team member on the fine art of plate spinning, but this conversation was a good reminder of our need to stay culturally relevant. If I didn’t take the time to explain this expression, my younger team member may have simply thought I was crazy. It’s essential we find ways to connect with those coming behind us. We have things to share and a message to pass along, but we will miss out on opportunities for this message to be received if we don’t connect with the receiver of the message – if we don’t speak their language.
If we’re serious about having a mission mindset, it is important that we take the time to become culturally relevant – to know and understand those around us and to consider how we can share our message in a way that connects with our audience.
This is one of the reasons I enjoy hanging out with the teenagers at our church. It seems impossible to me, but I’m one of the “older” adult volunteers in the group. I have learned quite a bit from the teens. I often find myself asking them what a phrase or comment means. For example, someone said “YOLO.” I didn’t know what they were saying, so I asked. (You only live once.)
So here is my question for you: What are you doing to make sure your message is heard? How are you staying culturally relevant in an ever evolving world?