See a Need, Fill a Need

When our boys were young, they enjoyed a movie called “Robots.” It was fun, uplifting, and didn’t have any annoying high-pitched voices so we didn’t mind that they watched it over and over in the car.

One of the characters, voiced by Mel Brooks, is named Bigweld. He is the leader of a Bigweld Industries and encouraged robots everywhere to get creative and make something of themselves and their ideas. (And come work for Bigweld...)

In the recruitment video, he encouraged:

“So, look around for a need and start coming up with ideas to fill that need. One idea will lead to another and before you know it, you’ve got it. See a need, fill a need.”

I’ve always loved that last phrase. “See a need, fill a need.”

It goes beyond just a willingness. It’s more than the pleasant (but passive) “Let me know if I can help.”

Instead, it is proactive. Observing and then responding with initiative. It is a skill I admire in others.

A Recent Experience

Recently I had a medical issue that was pretty painful. Later that evening, I was picking up a prescription and I called a friend who recently had the same issue. He prepared me for the pain still ahead and shared some of the things that helped him.

I picked up my prescription and by the time I got home, this friend was on my front porch with a collection of “things that might help.”

Saw a need, filled a need. I was so thankful.

Experts and Extra Effort

(Forgive me for a quick story that might appear to be self-congratulating, but I really hope the bigger lesson can be appreciated.)

Eight years ago, I attended a speech by a man who travels the world doing good things for other people. A life of constant service and uplifting for others.

As part of his presentation, he talked about a study from Columbia university and shared some of the findings. He then said, “That’s the best I have in my recollection but consider it paraphrased. Someday when I get some time, I’m going to dig into that study more and be sure I have all the info correct.”

The next morning, I had a small meeting scheduled with this same man and a small group of other people. I knew this was my chance to help someone who helps so many others. 

I saw a need. 

I went home that night and located the study and laid out a one-page summary with all the confirmed numbers, dates, and results. I finished with a short message of gratitude and left it unsigned.

The next morning, we started the meeting with a couple hours of discussion and then we took a break for some fresh air. As everyone left the room, I placed the paper in his spot at the table. 

As we filed back into the room, we all sat and the discussion got going again. I had my eye at the front of the table. 

I watched as this good man sat forward and, shuffling his papers, saw the document. He took a moment to read it then leaned over to his companion and whispered, “Look at this. Someone went home and found this info for me” then he smiled as he scanned the room. I quickly averted my eyes but I will never, ever forget that sincere smile.

As a renowned chef is most likely to appreciate a great recipe, filling a need for charitable person who “has it all” is the most appreciated. It takes more than the usual effort to see the need in the first place. A service before the service.

Proactive Service

This world is full of good people who want to help others. That’s a wonderful thing. 

We are also a world full of people hesitant to ask for help. Be it pride, fear, ignorance, or something else, asking can be hard.

Make the effort to be proactive in serving others. 

See a need. Fill a need. 

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