Posted by randydeutsch in architect, creativity, environment, the economy.
When’s the last time you did something nice for an architect?
Architects are seen by most as self-reliant. They don’t need anything from anyone, except perhaps a patron or a client now and then.
With their designer duds, dressed in black. And the eyewear… Not exactly a warm and fuzzy image that comes to mind. Perhaps explaining why “Have you hugged an architect today?” mugs and bumper stickers are rarely seen.
So, when asked when the last time is that you did something nice for an architect? Your answer is probably along the lines of…?
An architect? Aren’t there others – the underprivileged, the bereft – that require our tending to first?
What? I give so often I’m starting to show symptoms of gifting exhaustion.
When is the last time someone gave to me?
If I give – then I will have less and I need everything I have for that rainy day.
Yes, I know of a job opening and nearby – but I’m not about to tell them. I’m saving it for myself.
As my wife has long observed: architects just aren’t nice to other architects.
It’s primarily an image problem. As victims of rampant stereotyping, we know that what motivates us is to leave the world a better place than the way we found it. It’s just that we don’t often extend to people what we intend for the environment.
Since you’ve taken the time to read this post take a moment to ask yourself: Are you your colleague’s keeper?
Are you your former student’s keeper?
Are you your LinkedIn contact’s keeper?
If you have benefited in the past by the unseen hand of others, then your answer is indeed, yes.
Do you owe it to someone to help them out in this time of need? No. You don’t.
You owe it to yourself. To give at this time. Even if you don’t readily feel as though you have a lot to give right now.
For giving is a two-way street. What goes around comes around, especially if you live in a part of the world with a favor economy.
Part of the problem, no doubt, is gifting exhaustion, volunteer and philanthropic burn-out. Part of the problem is that with so many in need it’s hard to know who to help first – so we don’t help anyone. We tell ourselves at least that’s fair. I will unilaterally help no one, so no one, so to speak, is at a disadvantage.
But that’s a cop-out. We have deeper reserves than we allow ourselves to believe. Especially architects – resourceful to a fault, walking talking human Swiss Army knives. We can give – of ourselves, our time, our contacts, insights and creativity. It only requires refocusing our attention for a few moments.
Think for a moment: Who do you know – in the profession or industry – that’s in a position to help someone else? In this economy. Right now.
Because you have stayed in touch with them over the years.
Because you are connected in some way – through school, past history, and organization.
Because they want to do good by you.
Because they may owe you a favor.
Because they have secretly admired you and would extend themselves to help you out if given the opportunity. Because they are looking for an opportunity – any opportunity – to act from their higher selves and by your calling on them are helping them out.
Because they have long wanted to help you out – but never found the chance or opportunity, didn’t know in what way, or because you never came across like you needed their help.
Well – that day has arrived. If not for yourself, for someone else you know who is in need. Extend yourself selflessly, perhaps even anonymously.
Recall those who have helped you out – with a letter, a call – at a magic moment that turned things around for you. This is such a moment. If not now, when?
What can I do to help out an architect?
When I had my own firm I would secure a position elsewhere with a comparable architecture firm for an employee before letting them go. They had the option of accepting the position elsewhere. At the very least, I’d offer to serve as a recommendation for the candidate – and do a reasonable job talking them up. Without veering from the truth, architects can accomplish as much selling of their former employees and colleagues as they do selling their designs.
Why is this an issue? Why now?
There is a great deal we can do for ourselves – be proactive, network, keep up with colleagues outside the office, contribute to your alma mater so that they will be there for us in our time of need .
We are architects. If we are not for ourselves, who will be?
He who carries out one good deed acquires one advocate in his own behalf.