Hidden Talent, SEPTA and a Conversation That Started My Day Off Right
Posted on Thursday, January 28, 2010 by Frank RocheI bought my monthly SEPTA pass this morning. I bought a couple other things as well.
“That’s a lot of lettuce,” said the man behind the counter.
I laughed.
“What is this, your own economic recovery package?”
Most transactions at the SEPTA counter are brief and pointed. “Zone 4 monthly, please,” is about all I get to say.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of work do you do?” said the man. He’s a very elegant 70-ish. I see him there behind the glass all the time, and if I can, I always try to go to him.
“I’m in the employee communication business,” I said. That’s usually a conversation ender. (I mostly tell people I’m a garbage man. Trust me, it’s easier to explain.)
“Ah, I was in the ad business myself,” said the man. “I know that employee communication work. I had lots of the big accounts around here.”
I smiled. And I wondered if SEPTA has ever asked this gentleman to create ads for them. There’s a real talent working at their place selling tokens and trail passes.
And I wondered how many people like that gentleman work in your company. How many hidden talents are there? Have you asked?
“It was nice talking to you this morning,” said the man.
“Thank you,” I said. He’d already made my day.
John Coffey
Jan 28th, 2010
Nice conversation Frank. It reminds me of the 60 Minute story a few weeks back about the behind the scenes operations at Netflix. It mentioned many of the workers were retirees. I’m sure many had great old stories to tell.
Frank Roche
Jan 28th, 2010
John, I wish I had seen that Netflix thing. I am in my old dudes phase…and I really notice the elegance. It’s so cool. That guy is really great.
Bill Strahan
Jan 30th, 2010
What a great story. I would love to hear about his path from advertising to Tranpass.
Nice testament to you Frank that you can bring that kind of thing out of people.
Frank Roche
Jan 31st, 2010
I’m open to talking to interesting people. I’d really like to have a cup of coffee with that guy.