I remember years ago Robert telling me about Leith Anderson’s poker chip analogy with regard to ministry. The basic gist that we get from it is that sometimes you through someone a chip or two and you almost invariably ending up earning back more. Certainly the reason to give “chips” (compliments, recognition, etc.) to people is not motivated by increasing your own stash of chips. However, it is just a nice benefit and usually just naturally happens. In ministry, as you give away chips to people then you better equip them to be ministers, you encourage them, and they usually end up being people who have your back.
I happen to think I have the coolest job in the world and I work with some pretty incredible people. I’ve written about it before, but one of my favorite things about academia is that everyone is so passionate about what he/she does and I just love passionate people. English professors love to gush about meter, voice, prose, and deep reading. A history professor will wax eloquently about the importance of primary documents and the narrative of history. Dietetics professors get me to think about sustainable food and physics professors can make even a subject like optics and acoustics seem appealing and in my grasp. They love their students, they enjoy reading and talking about what they are learning, and they usually have a plethora of unusual hobbies and interests outside of the academy. So how does this tie in with chips?
When I was interviewing for my first position in higher education five years ago this month, I had read on a forum at The Chronicles of Higher Education about how important a dean was. In every university interview, at least the four that I had (and I hear it is common practice), in the 2-3 days of interviews there is at least an hour or so to meet with the dean. When I met with the dean here I really liked her, but a brief meeting isn’t any way to really get to know someone. However, she had gone to high school in Mobile and graduated from the University of Alabama, so I took that as a sign that she was “good people.” My hunch was correct.
This past week we had our annual day-long teaching conference. Even though she retired two years ago, she came back to speak. She saw me and came to sit with me and we chatted for about 10-15 minutes before she got up to address the crowd. Here’s what is significant about that. We have over 100 instructors in the college of which she was the dean.
She retired two years ago. She only worked with me for two years. However, she remembered who I was, what school/department I worked in, and personal tidbits about me. We had a great conversation which she then mentioned our conversation in her speech. While I don’t care so much that she mentioned me publicly, the comments that she made showed that she knew me and remembered my name and that she listened to me. She threw me some chips! Know what? She got them back too, because things like that really impress me. When a busy and important person takes time to have a heartfelt conversation with me and really listen, I’ll be loyal forevermore.
It doesn’t end there. Our current dean is the same way. When he stepped into the position from another department in the college, he made appointments to meet for 30 minutes with every single faculty member and academic staff person. The discussion wasn’t about vision or how to teach or strengths and weaknesses. He asked questions about who we are and what makes us tick. He asked about hobbies and our families and he told us about his. He took notes, he got excited, and he followed up every single one of these meetings with a personal, handwritten note. In the 2 years he has been dean, I have gotten several random notes or emails from him citing something I have done (I have no idea how he knows) and commending me. I led a workshop at that teaching conference last week and he sent me an email about that. It was short and sweet, but since my love language is words of affirmation, a well-placed “Atta girl!” makes me putty in your hands. I thrive off of a well placed compliment or word of encouragement. I don’t need a raise (although it would be nice), a corner office with windows, or an extra week of vacation. If I am verbally told that I am valued or have contributed something, then that is solid gold to me. Again, our new dean is a chip-giver as well.
I try to give chips to students and colleagues as well and they generally do come back…but not always. Some people are chip-stealers. Some people don’t steal them, but willingly accept them and never share in return. That doesn’t mean that we still shouldn’t continue to give our chips away. I’m going to work tomorrow with a pocketful of chips that I hope to give away.
