I painted a tank!

About two weeks ago I took over a painting project -- the painting of a historic US military M45 Patton tank used in the Korean War.

Don't panic, I am not blogging about the military history behind it on this post. Instead, I would like to share with you what I learned in the process. And no, it was nothing about painting, freehand drawing, handling acrylic sheer paint or even working in the middle of a construction zone. What I learned is about people (I work with pretty awesome people), leadership, and trust.

Here is the thing. I truly believe that one needs to challenge themselves in order to grow and evolve (personally and professionally). I knew I could freehand draw the pattern of the tank and I could definitely paint it. After all, this was very similar to the stenciled work I had done in the past... Right?

But here is a tiny bit of background...

The tank had been power washed several months ago, painted in military green, and cleaned again only to be left on hold. With no one really knowing how the painting process was handled (the person in charge of this for years, and the only one involved in the whole process, is no longer available) and with a grand reopening approaching (the museum has gone through a redesign project over the last ten months), the need for someone with painting background was real. So I put my "can-do" attitude cap on and I volunteered to take over this painting project.

So here is what I learned:

No one will know what your talents are (and I am not referring to your job description here) if you do not share with them.

A quien no habla, no se le escucha... Something my mother used to say all the time "Who does not speak, is not heard" (thanks Google Translate). If you need help, then say so. If you can help, then say so too.

There are many ways to get things done absolutely. If money is not a problem, many people will be willing to do the work, of course. But sometimes the most effective way to get projects done is to simple ask the person right next to you. You never know, he/she might have all the answers!

The very first job of a leader is to inspire trust. “Earn trust, earn trust, earn trust. Then you can worry about the rest.” – SETH GODIN

And lastly but not least... I thought I could, I believed in myself, and so I did. But most importantly, all those hashtags are so true!!

#TheFutureISFemale #ImmigrantsWeGetTheJobDone

P.s. I am always available for commission work, so if you ever have a military tank, and it needs to be painted, I am the girl to call ;)

Cool facts you want to know!

• Over 40 hours of painting

• Seven ladies (including me) and one executive director

• A minimum of three coats of paint per color (the yellow was the toughest with 4 coats and more in some areas!)

• More than a dozen bruises found on my legs, knees, and arms

• Due to being the first time an (almost) all ladies-team took charge of the painting, this tank is now known as the "Tigress Tank"!

• If you want to read more about the history behind it: https://www.fdmuseum.org/exhibit/m46-patton-tank/