Here's to the Custodians

 So, the ancients had a word "Sympatheia".
 
Basically, it was all about how we should care for one another because of the interdependent nature of things.
 
​Ryan Holiday has a great breakdown about it here.
 
But I was thinking about it this week because I was at a conference and surrounded by so many people that had truly connected the dots about how to do work that lasts.
 
 
In most industries (and communities in general) there are a few individuals who take the time to move in an altruistic nature. Usually, they have achieved some measure of success and then take the time to pay it forward.
 
If you want to know who they are here's how I spot them.
 
        They usually show up in a few ways.
 
        They are the teachers. They are the mentors.
 
        They are the community, association builders.
 
        They are the ones that always seem to have time to talk and share.
 
        They hold their knowledge in an open hand.
 
Why do they do it? So, the truth I suppose is that it is different for all of them.
 
But I heard one expression that makes sense...
"What is good for the hive is good for the bee"
 
Meaning, it does not matter how well they do individually if everything around them crumbles.
So, if the industry suffers that means that we may face a shortage of qualified and good people...so the custodians do their bit to build up others knowing that the net effect is greater.
 
Sort of like that saying that a rising tide lifts all boats.
 
I suppose I am saying thank you to all the people out there that always try to bring more to the table than they take, the givers.
 
Also, it leaves me with a question...Do you build up?
Do you take time?
 
PS extra points if you figured out that this also goes way beyond careers and industry :)