Teamwork makes oil's well that ends well

There is almost constant chatter these days about diversity, and that's a good thing.  As a child of the 60's (1960's, not 1860's, thank you very much!) I personally had the perception that things had gotten better in this regard in this country, especially once we Americans elected a black president....twice.

On another level, many of my bosses over the years have been women, including a VP at a major hospital/healthcare system and the executive director of a regional non-profit organization...oh, yes, and of course my wife! I never had an issue with reporting to women. Maybe my experience was unique. (Although I must say I am getting tired of all the modern references to "strong, powerful women." Does everyone have to be a powerful person?  Can't we just all strive to be talented, good and successful people?)

Anyway, I was due for an oil change in my Jeep, so went to the closest Valvoline Instant Oil Change location, the same place I usually go.  There were four people working that hot Saturday afternoon, and the professional who dealt with me and my vehicle was a young black man. Two of the other workers were also young men, one of which looked barely past a teenager, and when the professional who was working in the pits under the car came up, it was a young woman. I have to admit I was a bit surprised at first, as I am not sure I have encountered a female car mechanic before, but I also had no problem with that. As I said, several of my very skillful bosses over the years were women, so why not a skillful female mechanic?

As I drove home after their work was done, I realized that what I saw was not two white guys, one black guy and one woman. What I saw was an effective team working on my vehicle, and a diverse team at that....and isn't that just what should be, and what we should all see, with no hidden agendas?

I went into that location for an oil change, and what I think I saw was the world workforce changing the way it should be changing, with people working because they have the talent for the job, and for no other reason.