Stepping on New Guns

"Another boring Monday morning management meeting" grumbles Bob sitting in front of his coffee and six-pack of muffins.

" I call it Hot Bath Motivation" responds Paul, "While you are in the bath it's nice and warm but as soon as you get out..."

"And here comes Vincent, Mr. Senior Manager" Bob continues to grumble, " If he starts rubbing his hands together and throws energy balls at us again I'm gonna fire one of these muffins at him."

At the front of the room, Vincent smiles and says " I happen to like muffins Bob".

Bob turns to Paul, "The guys got eagle ears"

Still smiling Vincent says, "Awareness Bob, it's all about awareness.

OK everyone let's get started. Our theme last month was Putting Out Fires and judging from this bundle of incident reports, we didn't do so well with that one. So this month we are going to try something a little different. Susan tells me most of you are still attending her mindfulness class every week. That's good news. Mindfulness will be a great benefit for this month's theme which is... Stepping on New Guns"

"WTF" Bob whispers under his breath.

Surveying his audience, Vincent sees the reaction he was expecting, mostly confused faces interspersed with a few smiles.

He continues, "Stepping on New guns is a Rebel Idiom I discovered online and I think it will be beneficial to incorporate into our business practices. So what does it mean? It's a simple concept. When one becomes aware of a potential conflict and takes an action to avert it, that action is called- Stepping on New Guns.

Some of the faces changed to recognition but a few still seemed confused.

"If you need it broken down for you, here it is. Guns are for taking shots. 'New' guns symbolize potential conflict, and if you are stepping on new guns...Well, you get the point.

So I want you all to continue practicing mindfulness and with your increasing awareness, I am confident you may start seeing situations develop where you will find yourself Stepping on New Guns. It should be a hell of a lot easier than putting out fires. I am going to send you out there without any formal techniques. I want to see what discoveries you make and I anticipate a great discussion at our next meeting".

Happily surveying his audience's positive response, Vincent opens the large box on the table before him that he's sure they have all been wondering about.

In his best motivational voice, he exclaims "And I have 'Stepping on New Guns' t-shirts for all of you to help keep this months theme in mind"

Pulling out an extra large-sized one he displays it and says " I even have one to fit you, Bob!"

"Gee thanks," Bob responds feigning excitement.

"So pick yours up before you leave and I want you all to be sure to wear them at the office on Wednesdays".

Rubbing his hands together Vincent exclaims, "All right everybody, ENERGY BALLS! "

As he's about to toss out the first one, a muffin comes flying at him which he easily catches. He inspects it mindfully, gives it a whiff, and comments," Mmm banana nut. Thanks Bob."

" Good catch Vincent", Bob responds visibly impressed.

"Awareness Bob. It's all about awareness."

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