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.
Carl Weber Consulting 