Exceding Expectations

I started my new job last week. So far it's going well - I can handle 3-4 hours/day, especially knowing that once I settle in, it's supposed to move down to 2.5 hours/day. ;-)

I have the benefit of knowing the owner of the company since I worked for 4 years at his previous endeavor. I also knew a small handful of the employees already. So, I had no problem showing up in my typically casual dress: shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals (gotta love Israeli winters!).

I wonder what the other people think, though. I'm supposed to be the department head and I'm sure they must be thinking that the owner is crazy. Especially the people whose boss I became. I personally am amused by the minor shock value I can provide. Well, at least I get a kick out of myself.

I've never had a problem in the past with coworkers' concern for my professionalism, even with my very casual demeanor. I once felt awkward, though, when I hired 2 men who were over twice my age to work under me. I've also had people with a lot more formal education than I. But in the end, it became obvious why I was the boss and there was never an issue with it. I even prefer knowing that I've earned the respect from my actions and abilities, rather than artificial means like fancy clothes, titles, diplomas, or intimidation.

But let's get on the real topic here: juggling!

I'm not sure why, but it's important to me to be respected by my peers. I love showing off, especially for jugglers who can appreciate the technical skills and originality involved in what I do. I'm very proud of my achievements and even more so when I can surprise people by my skills. The thing about juggling is that you can't tell from looking at someone how good they might be.

Many years ago there was a juggling shop in Tel Aviv that people used to meet outside of on Friday afternoons. I remember well the first time a group of us from Jerusalem showed up. The regulars had thought that nothing could be greater than the jugglers from Tel Aviv so I took a lot of satisfaction in blowing them away. ;-)

I would love to show up at the New York City juggling club and surprise Slammin Andy (one of my favorite online juggling personalities). He once wrote about how he judges new people even before they start juggling. I have a feeling that my shleppiness and one-piece juggling clubs would throw him for a loop.