
Most of the phone calls that come my way are from people who need something. This seems like an obvious occupational hazard for a consultant who is trying to help others. However, I began to think that this pattern is deeper than just my work world. Over the past few weeks I started to keep track.
Text from kiddo – request for money.
Text from family – request to service their cars.
Phone call from friend – needed advice on issue.
Phone call from colleague – request to cover a meeting.
In the midst of this tracking experiment, there was one call that stood out:
The “Everything is Okay” phone call.
I didn’t actually take the call, it went to voicemail. Imagine my surprise when I listened to that message.
“Hey Carl, just wanted you to know that everything is okay I was just calling to connect with you and say Hi.”
It was just the call I needed. At times, the constant giving of yourself to others, their needs, and their problems can become a solitary place.
Relationships begin to feel like one-way streets.
I am taking this person’s example and trying an experiment of my own. Deliberate and intentional communication with others to connect with them, not to request from them.
Give it a try this week. Who knows, it may just change the world.
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Published by Carl Weber
Carl Weber, is the owner and founder of Carl Weber Consulting, a consulting group that helps businesses, non-profits, and individuals understand themselves, hire and manage well, and become great leaders. Carl worked in local government for more than ten years, as the Town Administrator of a few towns in NH. Once upon a time he was a search and rescue swimmer for the US Navy.
Carl holds Bachelors’ Degrees in Political Science & Community Development and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy. Carl is a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst (CPBA) and Certified Professional Motivators Analyst (CPMA).
Carl regularly teaches on human factors and the relationship of behavior and leadership styles, as well as motivation, coaching, leadership challenges, and failing as a leader. His passion is to help leaders in their lifelong journey to finish well, to combat and work with their inner voice, and to live a meaningful story worth reading.
Carl lives in Southern New Hampshire with his wife Amanda and together they are raising a small tribe of four young (somewhat crazy) women with the goal of unleashing them on the world to change it for the better.
View all posts by Carl Weber
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