Have you ever had someone make assumptions about you?

[Tweet “Have you ever been boxed, typecast and limited? “]

I despise boxes….  And typecasting….  And limits…  And then I realized I was holding some assumptions that were putting others in boxes.  Ugh!

…A couple of years ago, I volunteered to help out at a Career Fair.  Early in the day, several vans arrived from Goodwill’s Training Program.

As the room filled with people several things blew my boxes of assumptions apart:

• These people were clean and neat and dressed appropriately.
• They were articulate.
• They were gracious and appreciative.
• Their camaraderie and caring for each other was inspiring.
• Some had lost jobs and homes in the recession.  (Imagine living out of a camper and having no job.)
• Some spoke of starting new lives and overcoming past mistakes.
• Others spoke of the need to upgrade their technology skills to be more competitive in the marketplace.

And EVERY ONE of them RAVED about the training and support they were receiving, and emphasized the hope that they have today that was not present just a short time ago.

A few weeks later, I had the opportunity to visit their training facility and spend time with the people in their classes.  As I heard more personal stories about painful events in their lives and the despair they’ve experienced, I was struck again by the energy and the hope that they now have.

Each time I engage with people from this program:

• I’ve heard them emphasize that this place, this training and this support is what helped them make that transition.
• I’ve been reminded of blessings that I can so easily take for granted.
• I see the people instead of the boxes, the labels, and limits.
• I think of all of the organizations that struggle to find great talent.
• I am always reminded that some of the best employees I ever hired had been boxed and labeled, but when they were given the opportunity, they really were diamonds in the rough.

How about you?  Have you ever type-cast, boxed, labeled or limited someone?  What have you done to change that?

If you are a hiring manager, or a business owner that struggles to find star employees.  Please check out the link above to learn more about some of the diamonds you might be missing.

If you live in Tulsa:

• Go see what Goodwill is doing.  It will blow you away.
• If you know someone that works there, thank them!  They are doing amazing work.
• If you know someone in need of training, support and hope – send them!

If you live outside of Tulsa:

• Check out what your Goodwill is doing.

Just one caution:  Visiting may blow up some of your boxes and plug YOU into a lot of hope!