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String on finger (or not)


Chaotic Chris had endured many a tongue lashing in his day but this one would take the prize.  As he stood there, focused on the words erupting from his customers' mouth, he concentrated on making sure that the expression on his face showed pure empathy.  What a dumbass, all I had to do was put a note in my calendar or better yet send the customer a meeting invitation.  Chris began to reflect on why he failed at such a simple task, surely it was because he was just too busy.   You know, a star salesman like himself, doesn’t have time for the trivial things.  Unfortunately, his lack of discipline, arrogance, self-centered attitude, dis-respect for others…  has lost him a key customer.

As Chris drove home that evening, sitting in the endless traffic, his mind began to wander.  Could it be that this one incident was not isolated, instead one of many examples in an extensive list of missed activities?  Just two weeks ago his boss, Frazzled Frank, simply showed up in his office expecting Chris to have a meaningful conversation regarding his sales pipeline. Chris recalled his feelings at that moment, frustration, anxiety, even a bit of disappointment that Frank had so little respect for Chris's time.   Oh my, how horrible, is it possible that those around me are thinking these same things?  No way I am revered in this organization and with my customers, everyone loves me, my personality and relationships make up for my careless behavior, they all accept me as a scatterbrain.  

The next morning, tired from a sleepless night, Chris could not escape that pit in his stomach.  Normally Chris believed that he was responsible for filling a room with energy, could it be that he was pulling the energy from others?  Instead of his normal barrage of pleasantries, he asked Janet about their relationship, specifically how she felt.  Juxtaposed Janet, always poised and respectful, simply replied "everything is good Chris", what's on your mind?  It was like confessional in some ways, Chris's mind placed a dark veil over Janet and the questions started to flow from his mouth with ease.  Janet, as Chris began to blend commentary with questions, he asked "do you believe I appreciate and respect you as a coworker"?  An expression flooded Janet's face, one that Chris had never seen before, she was perplexed.  Noticing the discomfort in the questioning Chris pleaded that Janet speak her mind. 

Janet began to share her thoughts with Chris.  When we spend time with one another I am filled with appreciation for our working relationship, she started, I wish we had more of those face to face experiences.  Unfortunately, once you are away something happens, it is as if you believe that your time is more important than everyone else's.  It makes me, fellow workers, and customers feel that we should feel fortunate if you choose to keep an appointment or follow up on a commitment, Janet explained.  Holy shit, I am a real jackass thought Chris as Janet continued to share her honest feedback.  Chris listened intently, absorbing these words filled with honesty and the best intentions.  

A few weeks later Reluctant Ruth was watching Chris enter the coffee shop for their morning meeting and noticed his relaxed aura.  Chris, did you just return from vacation, asked Ruth.  No, you would not believe me if I told you.  Ruth, you know how reluctant you are to try new things, if it isn't broke why fix it?  Chris continued as Ruth shook her head in acknowledgement, well… here it is, I started using a digital calendar to manage my time and a tasking tool to keep track of commitments that I need to complete.  In pure disbelief Ruth could only say, really?  Yes, you would be amazed at how much less chaotic my days have been since I decided to move to digital organization systems.  It is really something Ruth, before my days were filled with large gaps and the meetings I had with people were less productive.  Now, with everyone in the know, we are focused and look forward to our time together.  Just as a bonus, commitments so often made during meetings, do not fall through the cracks as they have for so many years.  I am relaxed, my teammates and clients are happier, and I have no more anxiety regarding what I may have forgotten to accomplish.  For me it took a negative event to get me headed in the right direction, everyone is different; however, I encourage you to find the reason why and take the first step.  When you look back you will wonder what it was that held you back in the first place.  Now, on to those waffles!


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Next post:  from the field to the office

Thoughts?  feel free to leave replies or direct message

See all "last mile worker" posts here:  http://lastmileworkersolutions.com

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