Our landscapes probably say a lot about us. It probably isn’t fair to judge a book by its cover or homeowners by their yards…but, we do.
A prime example of judging a person by his landscape is the old analogy about which home contains a gun. A person is standing on the curb, deciding which home to rob. One home has a well kept lawn, small windmill turning in the garden, and little flowers in pots on the porch. Decorating the lawn are two little wooden cutouts that resemble people bent over in the yard.
The second home, right next door, has tall grass that needs mowed. A chain hangs from a tree in the front yard holding an oily engine. The ground underneath is stained black. A weathered doghouse stands off to one side with a worn dish beside it. Through the dirty front windows you see a Confederate flag being used as a drape.
Which house has the gun?
We also judge people by appearance or their own “personal landscape.” I remember interviewing someone for a job here at the radio station. The job wasn’t for president of the company or anything, but it was still a first step into broadcasting. He was in flip-flops and cutoff jeans. He was in his 30’s and needed a shave. Radio is an entertainment industry so I thought, “maybe this guy is really creative and thinks outside the box.” Nope. He wasn’t creative…he was lazy.
The person I hired at the time has been with us for years and brought enthusiasm and dependability to the job. He did the most with what he had to work with. You can train anyone, I believe, if they have the desire to work.
Landscapes are funny things. We are hiring some landscaping folks to put in trees and make our home look a bit more “kept.” People also hire consultants to advise them on their personal landscape. The challenge, I believe, is not being something you’re not. If we spent $50,000 and put in a waterfall, imported boulders, and a giant train…it would be interesting, but not us. A well kept lawn, not Disneyland, is more our style. Same thing in “personal landscape.” I have three suits, but usually wear “dress casual” with a nice shirt, slacks, and dress shoes. I’d rather have an Italian Pizza than an Italian suit.
I think the trick in your ‘landscape’ is to be honest with yourself and be sincere. Sincerity. Once you can fake THAT, you’ve got it made.
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