The Softest Thing (Intern Edition)

In business and in life, there is an abundance of possibilities. “Anything can happen” may be a cliché. It is also the truth. Ever feel like you really know someone or something, only to discover something new and unexpected? How have you felt in those surprising moments? We will dive into this and share some ideas we found that will assist you in breaking through in your goals. 

The Softest Thing

"Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness.”  - Lao Tzu

Before reading this quote, when you read the paragraph title what came to mind as the softest? Perhaps some clothing like cashmere or fleece. Perhaps a silk hanky. It is fall, so was it a thick sweater you love? Somehow a 5th century Chinese philosopher captured water as such. So soft to the touch you may not notice it. Yet at the same time it can overcome hardness. Drop by drop it will change a rock, crack your driveway and, yes, penetrate a mountain. 

Clearly water being the softest while able to break through the hardest presents a paradox. Its softness is a trait, yet so is its ability to have characteristics and capabilities that only the strong can do. Zooming out a little and thinking about water in other ways, we often see water do something remarkable. It bends light and creates rainbows. Now, what does that take??

Something New

You may be craving something new in your life these days. The beauty of hiring an intern is, like water, they have all kinds of capabilities that you may not be aware of that may surprise you. They know things you don’t. They can do things you can’t. They see rainbows you don’t. Yet, in the realm of business they are “the softest thing.” They can be disrespected, ignored, rescheduled, and treated less than. And therein lies a paradox. For, at the same time, you are leaving an impression on that intern that will harden for decades – either for or against you. 

Well then maybe something new could be you? What if there was a new you in how you viewed business and life? And what if that new you began in your relationship to interns? A great way to start would be to read Intern Management and start to think from dignity when managing other people, beginning with interns. Might that be something new for you?

Hardly Soft

Every summer, I think I already know how it’s going to go. I know what projects interns will work on and the results to expect. But this past summer, the softest things produced one of the best things, and it was completely unexpected. The team decided to create an Intern Course. I took it and was moved to tears. After hosting so many interns, I am in a sense hardened. Yet, the softest things pierced through to my heart.

I invite you to share the Intern Course with college students you know. It is a $9 gift to them from students who are much like them committed to something new. An unexpected abundance of possibilities awaits those willing to discover them. May that be you and our youth. 

Here's to you and your awesome future.

Until then, keep your feet on the board and keep riding your wave!

Robert J. Khoury

CEO Agile Rainmakers