Here’s to Rosie who has served drinks for 55 years. She’s about to retire. When she does, whoever takes over her pub will likely remove that sign from above the bar. It will become a fond memory, along with her presence and spirit that made regulars of four generations feel at home.
If I was arrogant enough to try and describe Rosie based on the few times I was privileged to meet her, I’d say she’s a working class feminist with a huge heart and strong values she won’t compromise on. After half a century around people letting their guard down while drinking, she can probably judge your character by the way you blink. But she’ll never use that against you unless you manage to really piss her off. She runs her pub on a policy of common sense, live-and-let-live generosity but she won’t shy away from politics, or from showing you the door if the opinions you express cross a certain boundary. She’s built a haven for her people, and she’s a fierce defender of both.
We don’t know what will happen when Rosie enters retirement. But we know what’s not going to happen. The place won’t be the same. You can pour soul along with a drink but you can’t bottle it and put it on the shelf for an uncertain future.
This is why change is hard, particularly when it’s inevitable. And it’s why you’ll want to approach change, no matter what end you’re on, with consideration for everyone involved.
(Published first on LinkedIn)
