Everyday when I’m in my Blacktina Carrie Bradshaw mood I go downstairs for a late lunch anytime between 2:00 and 3:00 and have myself a flavored whipped up coffee either from Starbucks or Caribou (Caribou’s is better by the way, but just more expensive). I usually see business couples who are either mentoring or being mentored, talking strategy, management, etc. As I look around and eaves drop (old habit) I usually laugh and say to myself my goodness don’t they have anything else to talk about. Who wants to talk business everyday even on a break. But today for some reason I had a different approach I overheard this gentlemen from what I gathered was some type of executive giving valuable advice to a younger man who seemed eager and privileged to be the recipient of such knowledge. For once I didn’t laugh or think good Lord how boring can they be. For once I thought to myself how come more of “us” aren’t having these types talks??
I’ll be the first to admit whenever I’m out to lunch with a colleague of the same persuasion as myself we don’t talk about work, unless it’s gossip. There isn’t any mentoring. If there’s any talk about work besides gossip it’s a bitching session. The point I’m trying to make is nothing fruitful can come out of gossip/bitching session. OK, who we’re kidding some things that come out of these topics are a trip, if you know what I mean 
. But getting back to reality, does this really help us? Does it help us in the workplace when we form clicks; when we congregate before and after a meeting and discuss irrelevant topics that don’t pertain to the workplace?. I know fun is important but when do we buckle down and get serious.
Some of us may feel why bother to put your “all” during and after work hours, this is understandable in some cases. But if you have the opportunity to receive what someone is willing to give then you should take it. The knowledge you receive may assist you in your current job or some where else. The bottom line is let’s stop shutting ourselves out, we have enough people who would do that to us. Let’s make sure we’re also strategizing whether it’s work related or not. The point is let’s make our contact with one another productive. We have all the time in the world to discuss the BET Awards or who’s hair needs to be done. Let’s start talking about how we can be in line to receive our own award and help others who may want to follow! Progress people, it may be small steps but if we take enough of them it will be one giant leap!
