Lessons in Hockey Chemistry

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I’m sitting at a Starbucks in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada’s notorious West Edmonton Mall (one of the largest mega retail centers in North America). The Starbucks overlooks an ice hockey rink, and with an Americano in hand, I’ve had the pleasure of watching 12 year old girls play in an invitational hockey tournament. I knew girls ice hockey was good, but this wow’ed me. The high skill level, grit, grind, teamwork, tenacity, spirit and positional play is incredible.

Just last night, my wife of 52 years and I watched another Apple TV+ episode of Bonnie Garmus’ “Lessons in Chemistry.” Much of this period piece captures an era from 1930 through 1960. Born in the 50’s gives us reasonable reference to Garmus’ insights. (For example, Kathleen was at the top of our graduating class in 1968, and when she expressed an interest in medicine, she was advised by the high school guidance counselor to try nursing instead).

When viewing “Lessons in Chemistry,” it’s a bit shocking and uncomfortable to watch the male dominated misogyny, and frankly, ignorance of just a few decades ago. Women’s employment would be terminated if pregnant, the general belief that they should be at home getting a martini ready for “father” after a hard day's work, and of course the belief that women weren’t suited for serious roles in science, medicine and so on, was the norm. Girls playing hard nosed ice hockey at a level comparable to the boys wouldn’t have been imagined even 20 years ago.

And here we are. Women would likely argue that we have a long way to go in areas like pay equity, etc. And we’re learning so much about our authentic gender identities being on a spectrum beyond genitalia. Thirty years from now we’ll likely shudder at the fearful, backwards ways of thinking about gender and identity overall. When we have senior public officials who still believe that a little dose of religious doctrine will “straighten” us all out, it confirms lingering ignorance more than being of liberal or conservative politics.

So what’s this have to do with organizational leadership and culture? I believe each of us genuinely wants to meaningfully contribute, belong and to be loved. Yes. The love word. We metaphorically want to be on that ice hockey team, bringing our best and unique skills to the experience. We are each imperfectly “messy” and wonderful at different times. What is NOT acceptable is to discriminate, exclude, judgmentally label, and differentiate on identity. Yes, we have a right and even responsibility to reinforce behavior that advances us as humans and to confront hurtful action that dehumanizes us. However, that’s value based rather than blind judgment on difference.

This is perhaps a stretch from a coffee while viewing 12-year-old girls playing ice hockey. However, we must evolve from knowing right from wrong, do more than just be able to make a living, and to think critically. To paraphrase Brian McLaren, from the Center For Action and Contemplation, “we need to live and work well with ourselves, one another, and the earth, and to cherish the ‘genuine’ in each other and all things.” That's our next phase of evolution and I think we can. That’s faith.

Whew… What was in that coffee?? 🤓

One Millennial View: I’m not sure how much we’ll evolve, however it’s great to hear about the 12-year-old girls’ team.

- Garrett

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis

Lessons in Hockey Chemistry

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