#390: SPOTLIGHT: Robert Genco
#390: Robert Genco
June 4, 2024
A Backbeat of Community
Question for Robert:
There is an idea that we can learn from every single person on the planet. But there are also deeply ingrained habits we have been trained in that “teachers” have a formal designation which might limit our scope for learning. With that thought, does someone come to mind in the past five weeks that you wouldn’t consider a “formal” teacher at all but who you learned something special from… (perhaps even someone you aren’t even fond of) ?
Robert's Response:
I have been lucky enough to have many memorable formal teachers in my years, both as a student and later on in professional settings. The best of them inspired me in the direction of studying a subject deeply to gain a better understanding of it, working hard toward a goal, and ultimately developing expertise to apply toward these goals. To broadly categorize, these teachers helped cultivate the “Type A” aspects of my personality which were mostly in place for as long as I can remember. The general idea was – you push harder, you learn more, and you get to where you want to be.
As you can imagine, many of these teachers and mentors commanded attention with forceful personalities. But recently I have been gifted with several informal teachers who have shown me a different way. One of these, Mac Mead, is a biodynamic farmer and consultant who works at Threefold Community Farm in Spring Valley, NY. I met Mac through some volunteer activities and classes he gives at the farm. Despite his expertise and 50 years of experience, he has a humility that seems rare for people so highly regarded in their field. His simple and quiet approach to his work has been an inspiration. He speaks softly, but with confidence. He focuses on team-building. He always deflects credit and speaks much more about how wonderful his colleagues are. He has a wonderful sense of humor, but doesn’t need to be the center of attention. And he does everything, it seems, because he loves nature and people.
After a lifetime of mostly Type A teachers and models, Mac has given me a different perspective on how to be highly focused, how to move toward a goal, and how to work with others. Less force, less high-strung striving, less anxiety and hurry to get where you are going. More attention to the “going” and less to the end-result. One last thing to note. When I met Mac, I was immediately drawn to him and wanted to know him better. I wanted to connect and tried to do so with my typical eager personality. He was always incredibly nice, but I could tell he was a little reluctant. Over time I took more of his approach (unconsciously, in retrospect) and stopped trying. And – you guessed it – that’s when the connection happened. Yet another lesson in taking a less forceful approach, and letting things unfold in their own time and space.
Here is a photo of Mac – on the right. I have a feeling he would blush if he knew that I wrote this about him…
Amanda’s thought…
I suspect Robert would love all direct responses from you. I find it incredibly encouraging when I hear from any of you after I share my thoughts. It is powerful for me. I assume many others have a similar experience. So here is Robert's email… pip
Robert, I love the distinction between Type A versus Type B teachers. It has me thinking more about how people have the ability to influence others in their own unique ways, including almost indirectly. And I can absolutely see how Mac's entire demeanor and way of moving through the world leaves an impact on many. I am now left eager to learn about biodynamic farming, and to meet Mac. Thank you for this special note, Robert.
- AP
