10/02/2024
BE PREPARED
I have heard the phrase 'BE PREPARED' several times, but I never understood how important it was until a recent experience.
At my workplace, we had an official meeting every Monday, and during the first two meetings, I paid attention and listened. However, after that, I started using my airpod to tune out of the meetings.
One day, while I was on my airpod during the meeting, I was called upon to read the second minutes and log book. I was taken aback and felt anxious, so I read it very quickly, with numerous errors in pronunciation and punctuation. After the meeting, I received several complaints, and I felt embarrassed and disappointed in myself.
I realized that I had never prepared to read or write minutes, and I had taken for granted that I would never be called upon to do so. I sought the help of a senior staff member to develop the minutes, and they turned out well.
I felt the need to vent to a friend about my mistake and embarrassment. I was advised to work on my anxiety, got insulted about using an airpod in a meeting, and learned a good pace of reading irrespective of how impromptu it is. I took it upon myself to practice how to read in the midst of the crowd, getting my anxiety in control, worked on my pronunciation and learning from my experience never to use an airpod in a meeting again.
However, I was given a second chance to read the minutes the following Monday. I took my time and paid attention to my pronunciation and punctuation, and it turned out well. I received praise for the improvement, and I felt proud.
This experience taught me the importance of always being prepared and not taking any opportunity for granted. Experience may be a great teacher, but it is better to be prepared so that we can learn and grow without having to make mistakes."
