The Little Corn Who Could… and Did.

Sometimes little things can cause outsized disruptions.
Like this popcorn shell.

I spent yesterday morning - starting at 6:45 am - at the pediatric dentist with my youngest kiddo, who is 8.

This popcorn shell had attached itself to the back of her tongue, and despite all of our best efforts, we couldn’t get it out at home.

What started as a normal bedtime routine the night before turned into several attempts to find a solution to this small, but unusual (and increasingly worrisome) problem. Alas, to no avail.

When we got to the dentist, they were incredibly kind and worked us into the schedule. But they had other priorities, too. Other patients who had already been part of their plan for the day.

When they first took my daughter back, they couldn’t even see the shell. They called me back to help show them where it was, and when they saw it, it was clear to them - and to me - that this small popcorn shell was turning into a particularly tricky problem.

It took two dentists, specialized equipment, multiple attempts, and more than an hour - but thankfully, finally, they were able to get the shell out.

After a few weeks that have involved medical emergencies for both our pets and more doctor and dentist visits for the human family members than I care to count, honestly, this popcorn shell was probably the least disruptive surprise we've had lately.

And yet, it was still an important reminder....
→ To listen when your people share a concern.
→ To ask thoughtful questions and explore options.
→ To leave enough margin and wiggle room in your plans so that when the small things turn into big things, you can accommodate them.
→ That getting the right help from an outside expert can save time and make a world of difference.

What's something you've learned when a small thing became a big thing? How has that shaped your approach to similar situations since?

Join the conversation on Linkedin.