Don’t Expect, Inspect!
The word itself doesn't sound all that great, but I love pith. Pithy statements are the best because the capture in just a few short words loads of meaning.
I remember one of my college professors, and then again in graduate school, saying that those who tend to talk a lot (especially speakers) don't really know what they're saying or are well prepared. That's being a bit polemical, but I know that's the case for me at times.
One of my heroes is Andy Stanley, pastor at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. He doesn't know it yet, but he's kind of one of my distant mentors. I actually got to see him up close last week at a conference and will probably have another chance in April at another conference.
But I remember, while listening to a podcast, Andy was describing this helpful principle: Don't expect, inspect.
It's short, concise, and explains exactly what do to to avoid those terribly embarrassing and possibly hurtful situations. I had my own embarrassing moment at California Pizza Kitchen last year. If I had put it in my own words, maybe the principle would be: Don't assume, ask.
But, see, it's just not as catchy.
In an interview recently with Catalyst, someone asked Seth Godin (business and blogging guru) how he came up with so many great ideas. He replied, "You'd have as many great ideas if you've had as many bad ideas as I've had... People delete their ideas before they even become good ones."
So, in an effort to come up with some great ideas, I've started my own hashtag on Twitter to collect my ideas online to refine later. If you're interested, just look these hashtags up on Twitter:
#pithyportables
#pithyprayers
#pithypoetry
I'd love to hear your pithy statements. After all, portable is memorable (another Andy Stanley quote).
