Greg Darley:

To follow up with yesterday’s thoughts on meeting with a friend and having a “real” conversation.  Let me tell you about a meeting this morning. I am at a business breakfast meeting with a group of people I’ve been meeting with for about 18 months.  One member brought a guest and I watched him interact with some of the other members.  It was like something out of the Office. He introduces himself to a guy and says
“Hi, I’m _______.  Where are you at again?  Greer?
Friend: “No, I’m in Mauldin”
“Have we met before, because you look so familiar?”
Friend: “Don’t think so”
“What do you do again?”
Friend: “I’m in printing”
“That’s right.”

Let me add a little commentary. Acting like you’ve met someone before when its obvious you haven’t, does not make a good impression. He tried three times to “make a connection” but it was so obvious that it was a crock.  I wanted to jump in, but decided to keep watching.  Next interaction:

“Hi, I’m_______. Who do  you work for?
Friend 2: “For _______. We do advertising”
“Oh yeah.  What’s the guys name that runs that office?”
Friend 2: “That would be me.”
“Oh, yeah.  That’s great.  Maybe we can talk about working together”

It really took a lot not to jump in.  Glad I didn’t.  It was the first time we’d met and I’m sure that would not have been the best first impression for me!  I’m learning that it is really obvious when people want to work with you, help you, learn from you, and so on; and its even more obvious when they want to use you, get something from you, or gain an advantage from you.

I don’t think I’ll be doing any business with this guy.  Makes me wonder how often I’ve made a arse out of myself and didn’t know it.

Had a great lunch today with an old friend.  He’s the worship leader at our church and has more talent in his left pinky than most. We had a real good conversation about life and all the stuff that’s going on. What was great about it though, was the level of authenticity.  I love real people. I love talking with people that feel comfortable enough with themselves and with God to be real.  Its refreshing.  It takes a huge dose of humility, which by the way is what James says God loves.

How do others see you?  How do others see me?  I hope that we are growing in humility and “realness”.

By the way, check out Lee’s new cd. Its really good. www.leemcderment.com. It’s also on itunes.