Someone recently complained to me that it seemed as if we were living in a “me-first” world.
A couple of days later, a friend told me that everyone he had dealt with over the past week has a “it’s all about me” attitude.
The next day, I handled a negotiation with an individual who kept talking about making what he called a “win-win” deal—which didn’t happen, because his version of “win-win” was really “don’t argue with me, I know what’s best for you!”
In today’s business climate it is easy to become cynical when we deal with people. That’s why it is refreshing to run across people who actually do things with no hope of getting anything except the personal satisfaction gained from simply being nice. Last week I heard a true story that helped ease my cynicism and challenged me. Maybe it will do the same for you.
This story was told during a speech. Let me say that the speaker wasn’t holding himself up as an example nor was he seeking applause for what he did. He used the story in the context of a larger point (along with other similar stories).
It seems that he had a long layover in an airport and as he settled into his seat in the waiting area, he noticed a dour looking woman. She had that sour-pus countenance that repelled others—that “don’t you dare speak to me or even smile at me” look. Even though the waiting areas was crowded, the row of seats around her was empty, so he decided to sit close enough to her to allow him to try to engage her in conversation.
As he sat down, he greeted her and received an icy glare from the obviously troubled woman. Undaunted, he began trying to make small talk, which eventually led her to mention her grandchildren. Gently, he encouraged her to tell him about them. Soon the monotone voice she had been speaking in took on a melodious tone, then she began smiling. She inquired about his family, and he related a couple of humorous anecdotes about his own kids. Her smile turned into laughter. By the time their flight was called they were having a wonderful time, sharing stories and laughing.
Upon arriving at their destination, the woman preceded him off the plane, exited the airport and got into a waiting limousine, which drove off. As he stood at the baggage carousel waiting for his bags, he saw the limousine pull up outside.
The woman got out of the car and came into the baggage area. She came up to him and said, “I wanted to thank you for being so kind to me.”
She then explained that it was four years to the day that her husband had passed away, and that she had not been able to find anything to smile about or laugh about, until he, a total stranger had taken the time to befriend her. With that, she went back to her waiting limo and drove away. He then told the audience, “I felt more satisfaction from that experience that I get from a standing ovation after a talk!”
My Positive Point This Week: Sometimes we need to dare to care—the satisfaction we get can be greater than closing that big deal, cashing that big commission or getting that corner office!
Have a GREAT and PROFITABLE Week!
Robert Hidde
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