We are Tea Bags

Disclaimer- The Tea Bag analogy is not my original idea; the interpretation is!!

Imagine a tea bag in cold water; it floats, leaving the water unchanged. But when the same tea bag is placed in hot water, the water's colour transforms, and the tea from the bag infuses the water, altering it completely. The tea bag, a seemingly insignificant object, profoundly affects the water in the cup. After this process, it's no longer just water; it's tea.

This analogy beautifully mirrors the transformative power we hold in our personal and professional lives.

We, working people, are like tea bags in the professional world. We are like tea bags that leave behind a new colour and flavour after being in hot water. Similarly, in the professional world, what remains after the dramatic professional career of 60 years is the impact left in the department or organization at the time of separation or upon completion of the assignment. This impact could be in the form of a change in the working style, a process improvement, or, in the best-case scenario, an uplift in the overall morale of the immediate subordinates.

The tea bags work, never mind where they are in the cup. The tea bag is placed inside the cup – high, low, vertical, horizontal; it does not matter. The tea bag would invariably influence hot water. Likewise, true leaders are not bound by their position in the team or the organisation; they have a favourable impact on the current situation. They create or propose an idea or initiative for change, creating friction on the status quo and leading to some hot ideas that, when worked on, make changes in the working environment. The hotness of the water is crucial as tipping hot water will surely ruin the tea, while the constant slow increase in temperature shall make a great cup of tea. A great leader shall constantly bring in new challenges and provide an apt atmosphere to bloom colleagues' ideas, leading to a growing organisation.

The tea bag analogy drives three lessons from personal life experience. Considering myself to be a tea bag, I learnt that my being is influencing or being influenced by three factors-

The flavour- The first lesson is that when we are strong enough people in someone’s life (e.g., our kids or spouse), we can be a shining example through our behaviour in extreme situations. This behaviour, like the flavour of the tea, can influence and shape those around us, giving them new perspectives and identities for a different future and destiny.

The water- Secondly, we can only change situations when we are within it. But as soon as we immerse ourselves in a problem, we act and then be ready to embrace the output of any decisions we make to tackle those situations. This is like the water in which the tea bag is placed. Regardless of the temperature, we should focus on either floating (if the situation is calm) or immersing in fighting (if the situation is challenging and it is not suitable to leave).

The teabag itself- What truly matters is what's inside the bag. They say the primary flavour never changes, but we can always enhance our personality, thoughts, and skill set with effort. Even though we may feel like tea-fannings in the cup-world, destined to meet the ground, we should never miss the opportunity to live, learn, and improve. Stagnation is a stale way of living, and continuous self-improvement is the key to a fulfilling life.

Let's keep drinking tea while appreciating life! Cheers...