We are all Different and Unique

May 18th, 2007

Victor Veldhuijzen van ZantenThis is my father in 1974. He had a beard, yellow glasses and brightly colored clothing my mother made him.
He was a hippie.
And an architect.

One day my father had a meeting at a big company. He was doing a presentation for a bunch of executives who all looked alike to him. Grey suits, boring ties and clean shaved. My father, the hippie, felt quite different and unique compared to all these people and it made him feel good about himself.

As he left that meeting one of the executives walked along with him and then told him:

“Isn’t it incredible how those guys in there all look alike!
At least you and I look different!”

My father looked at the guy in wonder as he didn’t appear any different than any of the other executives. Then my father noticed that he had a tie with an unusual motive and a pair of matching cuff links.

At that moment my father realized that everybody looks at the few elements that make them unique compared to everybody else in the world. They don’t see the blandness or similarities compared to other people but concentrate of what makes them different. He told me this story when I was young and it made a huge impression on me.

If you have a meeting next week with a bunch of people try to look at the details people have used to differentiate themselves.
Once you really look they will be obvious.
Then make a comment about it.

Can you imagine what effect that will have?


2 Responses to “We are all Different and Unique”

  1. Christ / Adverto on May 18, 2007 7:25 pm (19:25)

    Great story, I think it’s very true! Fascinating…

  2. Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten on May 19, 2007 12:49 pm (12:49)

    Thanks.

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