Groucho
used to quip that he would never want to be a member of a club that
would have him as a member. The joke obviously being that Groucho was
such a loathsome character that if the club would take him, its
standards must be unacceptably low.
Running with this analogy, from time to time we all find ourselves desperately seeking acceptance at a "club" (read: school, job, fraternity, friends, significant other, etc.) that doesn't return our interest. Sometimes, the answer is to just try harder. Other times, there is no choice but to handle the rejection with aplomb.
But more and more, the general sense that I have come to is that I only want to be a member of a club that is thrilled to have me as a member.
That may sound arrogant at first blush but the basic premise is simple. I know my skills and my experience, and as such, when I find something worthy of my efforts, I believe that I will deliver the goods, be a great partner and a dedicated, passionate member of the team.
When that goodness is valued and recognized on the front end, it is a great fit and you can create wonderful magic.
By contrast, when that currency is not recognized on the front end, the price of entry is (generally) not worth it.
Being 100% intellectually honest, what team or group should be thrilled to have you as a member and why?
