How easy it is to apply previous experience to current circumstances. Such was the case when I emailed colleagues last week about a trip to New York I was on as a chaperone for my son’s thespian troupe. I received responses like:

• “Ugh, teenagers. Good luck.”
• “How’d you get roped into that?”
• “Better you than me!”

This trip was one of the most enjoyable in all my travels across the globe. And my time with these teenagers was filled with laughter, fun, and ease. Had I rushed to judgment when I was asked to attend, I’d have missed out on a once in a lifetime experience with an amazing group of kids.

I’ve heard it said that we determine how we feel about people we meet in the first seven seconds. In addition, the relational nature of our brains immediately compares what’s in front of us to our past experiences. Instead of rushing to judgment, I suggest we all rush to openness, allowing relationships to unfold and situations to develop without undue influence of our internal filters. The buyer, candidate or individual we are dealing with may just be part of a once in a lifetime opportunity if we just get out of our own way.