Buried Beneath

A few weeks ago we hired a landscaper to remove some aging and overgrown shrubs around our home. Prior to his visit a patchwork of red and orange lines appeared at various locations on the front lawn, courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, indicating the presence of utility lines buried beneath the surface. We were grateful for the protection these warning markers provided so our electricity, telephone, and cable service wouldn’t be unexpectedly interrupted while the shrubs were being removed. Our contractor was happy his workers would be safe during the project.

Around noon on the day our shrubs were being removed I received an unexpected phone call. It was our landscaper informing me that his crew had struck an unmarked conduit buried only a few inches below the lawn surface. Their equipment had severed the plastic but had not cut the electrical cable that delivers power to the outdoor lamp at the end of our driveway. Fortunately I had disengaged the electrical breaker that morning so no real damage was done. I was able to repair the conduit and now realize where this previously unknown cable snakes beneath our yard.

My experience prompted me to think about the many real and imagined things that are buried beneath my normally confident exterior. A few of them are like the bright painted lines in my yard, clear and visible to all who know me. They are those truths and experiences I have chosen to reveal and share with others—a favorite author, a fond memory, a significant loss. All of us have likely found the courage to reveal parts of ourselves to others, parts that could otherwise remain hidden from view.

But what about the unexpected cable that has not yet been discovered? Might those around us see hidden potential, dangerous behaviors, or unresolved issues in our lives that we are too blind to notice? Would we accept this candid feedback if it was offered in love to warn or protect us? Should this be a role that friends and family play in the emotional and physical health of others?

Over the years I have been the recipient of candid feedback from trusted friends and colleagues. Their insights helped me to see what I have buried beneath the surface—untapped potential, underused gifts, potentially bad habits. By accepted their wise counsel I now see and appreciate what would have been concealed from my view. It has been an opportunity to grow and learn.

I’m not suggesting we grab an aerosol paint can and target our friends and co-workers with the intention of digging up dirt and marking it for all to see. What I hope leaders will accept is their role in thoughtfully and lovingly providing constructive feedback to those they serve. By helping them discover what is buried beneath—perhaps some secret potential or abandoned dream—leaders can unleash new energy and ideas. Few of us are fully self-aware. I’m happy to invite those who know me well to find what I haven’t be able to see for myself—to identify and name what is buried beneath—sans the fluorescent orange paint!