During my freshman year in college, I got a job working with the campus landscaping crew for the summer. The supervisor took great pride in the campus grounds. He’d personally won several awards for his green thumb method of planting and pruning.
Every morning, he’d gather his crew together, and tell us our chores for the day. Inevitably he’d say, “Let’s put it this way, I want ….” He’d then pull out his pad, and read his list of items to be accomplished.
He was a decisive man. He worked out a plan of action, and made a firm decision to see it was done as he wanted. As he read his list, he’d check them off. This meant his orders were final. If you did not do your job as instructed, you could expect one warning, and then you got your pink slip (perhaps it should be called a green slip in the landscaping business). He’d been granted the power to hire and fire, and he knew how to wield it.
He’d end the short meeting by saying, “Now that I’ve put it that way, there’s nothing else you have to think about but getting the job done as I’ve instructed.” He’d close his notebook and walk away.
During the day, if someone forgot what to do, another crew member would say, “Let’s put it this way,” and then repeat what the supervisor had instructed.
“Let’s put it this way” became the key phrase that summer.
What was interesting was that his calm, decisive manner, combined with this favorite phrase, was very effective. It didn’t require brainy brilliance to do the job as he instructed. All we had to say was, “Okay,” and then go out and do it the way he put it.
I learned something that summer. I learned what it feels like to be clear with a purpose, and decisive with action. I learned as much from that landscaping supervisor as I did from my college professors (maybe more).
To this day, when I make important decisions, I go over all of the options, consider several action plans, and then make a firm decision by saying to myself, “Let me put it this way, I’m choosing option B and action plan C.” I find myself much more resourceful and efficient when ‘I put it that way’.
Example: When I opened by first restaurant, I said to the staff, “Let’s put it this way, most important is that the customers have fun. If they have fun, they will forgive us our mistakes, and given that we are human, we will make mistakes.” The restaurant was an immediate success because I’d put it that way.
Can you think of a project where you were decisive and successful because you put your instructions of action a certain way and didn’t waver? Will you share your thoughts with us?
Thank you and blessings
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Ha ha Ha ha ha. I wish my boss were that specific! LOL One of my biggest problems at work is just not knowing what to do sometimes. It’s a like my boss just can’t make good quick decision. He really is demotivating and leaves people who work under him unfocused and confused. The office culture takes a hit. I think you we’re kind of lucky to see what good leadership looks like. When I finally get out of this place I’ve learned a lot of what NOT to do that’s for sure
. Someday I’m going to have people working under me. And I want to be darn sure I become a good clear decisive leader.
Hi Kara. There is a way to think about impending success that is stronger than fear of failure. it shows in your comments lately. Open the door – more and more success is waiting to enter. Blessings
Hi Rob, It’s interesting that in my mind this whole time (about a year) I have had a very specific idea in mind about what I wanted my intuitive development course to look like, how I wanted the reader/student to feel, and how I wanted to interact with them. When I started, I really had no idea how to make it look and feel like that, I just started putting it together one little piece at a time. Then some people came along to help, like someone offered to edit it for me in exchange for her taking the course. Someone else suggested a website where I could create my own cover art. Etc. It’s pretty exciting to see it coming together. Even if it is not “perfect” I am going to release it and not procrastinate – sometimes it just needs to be set free into the world. Any improvements can always come later.
Hi Julie. Seek excellence, not perfection. You have a lot to give. You are teaching folks that they have a spiritual birth certificate, but they lost it; aren’t you. You are showing them how to find it. That’s what I intuit about you. Blessing
Hi Rob,
Great messages in your post. What you did at your restaurant is similar to what I do when I’m leading activities. I state clearly that what we are doing is important and what is also important is that we have fun doing it. I believe this is important, because we can only relax and really be creative when we don’t feel like we have to act and behave in certain ways. As you said, it also helps to allow people to make mistakes.
Hi Hiten. I like your tone, brother. It is the doorway to a higher way – a forgiving tone for miss-takes one makes. NICE. Thank you
Hi Robert! Sorry I missed you last week. As you know this is my busy season. I dare say you are hitting your stride with these insightful snippets into your life. I like it… I like it a lot. If you were a presidential canditate you’d be the guy I’d rather have a beer with. And in my book, that is as good as it gets! Anyway, I like your point this week. When I worked in the boatyard I worked alongside Greek named Stratos (we called him Stevie). I tell you what, that guy could make a mess, but he was the finest damn shipwrights that ever walked through our yard. I would look up and say, “Stevie! What are you doing?! Your making a mess!”… He would have crusty brushes, sawdust and spilled caulking in every nook and cranny. But, he would simply say, in his thick accent… “Hey… when-a-you-eat-a-the bread- you spill-a-the crumbs!” That one that has stuck with me. Everything he finished was “yacht finish”. He had a process and it worked. To me it means when you are all-in, when you are the highest expression of yourself, you just have no room for ego and vanity. Louie’s words and attitude have stuck in my mind for the last 40 years. It’s funny how all these little things sink in, in ways that we dont quite understand until it is time to understand them.
Wow, that’s a great story, Salty. Can I use it in the new book I’m now writing – Life Lessons – I’ll give you credit for it. When we no longer insist on being right about everything, we can save ourselves … and we do, don’t we, Salty. thank you
That’s great Rob. I actually think I should start using that phrase with my crew! Seriously, I see the power in the clear instruction. It’s not easy managing people, especially in my case where there may be a language barrier to boot!… Not to mention cultural differences. But if I can say “put it this way and this way ONLY” it eliminates all doubt. I think that is the secret to success in any domain of life. If I can eliminate self doubt and worry in myself, everyone around me feels better and more capable. That goes for the people who work under me, but most importantly my family. My daughters may be older now, but I believe it is never too late to lead by example! Hey if I can change, what’s to stop everyone else from wanting to improve? So, lets put it this way… I’m going to keep cleaning up my act so everyone around me can be inspired to do the same! Great lesson tonight. Enjoy your weekend… I’m going camping.
Hi Roger. Put it this way, Roger … don’t expect foolish minds to be interested in wise topics. You are interested in wise topics – oh, how it shows. You are now working with a wise mind. How do you like putting it that way? Blessings
Hey brother Man!! Hope your having a deliberate and mindful loooong weekend!! I’ve been out and about just soaking it all in with friends, family and most importantly by MYSELF!
. I’m totally digging your angle as of late. I hear ya brother. I love the little stories. To me, it’s like all those things that influence the most, are things we believe influence us the least. I think a lot of people get all worked up about having a transformative experience or moment, when really we should be looking at the subtleties and nuances that have impacted us yesterday and the years and years before. I think if everyone were to look deep within they would realize they have all the answers already. I have to say that all of our stories have impelled me to think deeper about what I have already, what I need to build on, and what I ultimately want to achieve. My “so put it that way” moment came from my grandfather. He used to say, “just do what comes natural…”. I didnt really get it at the time, but he was one who had been through the ringer of life. Somehow that little phrase has never left my mind. And for the first time in 34 years I think I really get it. When he saw me playing and having fun, he would just say… “Atta boy! just do what comes natural…” I think I am doing Gramps proud!.
Hi Rus. You’re doing gramps real proud, Rus. You’re getting used to being an individual who soars to new hemispheres. How’s it feel? I can feel it when I read what you say. Thank you.
Hi Rob. Lets put it this way: My Dad had tons of those phrases that still jingle-jangle around in my head. Most of them annoyed me at the time but darn it, they do stick and really make a difference! One such saying on the lighter side was when he was teaching me to drive, he would say: “dont be so heavy on the foot-feed!” (foot-feed was his lingo for the gas pedal). And I’ll be darned if I didn’t find myself saying that to my kids when they got their learners permit!
On the more profound side, he also taught me; “When the horse is dead – get off.” I find myself asking myself, “Is the horse dead…?” when dealing with big decisions about relationships, career choices etc etc… and if the answer is: “The horse is dead!” I have no problem moving on to what is next.
Hi Carol Anne. Fighting inner darkness, the darkness of NO, requires never submitting to the urge of WOE. This is something you have learned to do well, no matter what words or phrases you use. Nice job. Thank you
This post describes a very good point that a lot of people forget. Sometimes we forget what the bigger picture is, and having someone just point that out will make a huge difference.
As a guitar teacher I often tell my students what to do and that they should learn this and that. Afterwards I usually give my own version of ‘put it this way’ and say ‘well if you can play this chord correctly, that means you can play these two songs’. Suddenly the fog clears and they see what learning this chord will accomplish.
Hi Jamie. I love your ‘real lie’ example of how to use ‘put it this way’ effectively in your own words. It is a sleeping ‘thief in the night’ world that we live in if we do not remain alert to how confusion can destroy our ambitions.
Thank you for adding to the blog. Rob
Hi Rob, Very cool. I love the simplicity of that statement. As you probably know it was John Lennon’s birthday and I have been thinking a lot about the inherent power of simplicity and honesty in his lyrics. I mean, I’ve been going through his whole oeuvre over the last couple days and he just said it like it is. For instance, “Gimme Some Truth”… how great is that?! “Just give me some truth, all I want is some truth.” It’s like everybody has something to hide, or everyone wants to inflate their egos. Especially around election time… to me, “Let’s put it this way means”… just give me the straight up truth! It’s hard to find these days, everyone wants to exaggerate and bullshit their way through life. Why can’t we all just get real and hang our nakedness out there? If we could be honest and be “TRUTH” there would be no need for lawyers, drugs, guns and money. I think Lennon could write an epic song with the title “Put it this way.” In fact, I think I will wirte that song! … no kidding. Thanks for the inspiration in your truth…. keep on keeping it REAL my friend.
Hi john. John Lennon, put many power truths in the simplest terms, didn’t he. That’s why John Lennon is still loved by millions. Nice example. Thank you
This is very nice Rob. I cant begin to tell you how many aphorisms and “word of wisdom” for every know-it-all-self-help-jerk I have bouncing around in my head. I think what it really comes down to is figuring out what works best for you (ME). Sometimes I get caught up in thinking there is one perfect, right and single book, philosophy or affirmation that is going to change me. But what you really articulate well here, is that nothing really matters until I make it matter. Cool. Thanks my friend.
Hi Alan. Nothing happens and nothing matters until you make it matter and make it happen. Nice catch. When you see the horror of your life, it’s time to wake up and stay awake. you’re waking up. Congrats! Blessings
What a wonderful tip! Hope you don’t mind but I am going to borrow it. It may just work on my kids too
With thanks,
Evelyn
Hi Evelyn. Please use any tips I offer, as I use any tips you offer. The world can be an immense insane asylum; it’s time to realize the difference between the patients and the doctors – doctors offer tips; patients wail out ‘WOE is me’.
You’re a doctor, Evelyn. Blessings