Hidden Talent, SEPTA and a Conversation That Started My Day Off Right

I 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.

About the Author

Frank Roche

Frank started IFRACTAL over 7 years ago with Sarah Chambers. Together, they've created HR communications and HR software for some of the world's leading companies. Frank is also studying Flamenco guitar and origami.

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