The Friday Story is a weekly invitation to reflect on life.
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Each day, we hear the word “love” spoken in many different forms and in many different contexts. Southwest Airlines speaks of “Luv” with airline vouchers, customer service and their NYSE stock symbol, “LUV.” For Subaru, “love” means being more than a car company. “The Subaru Love Promise” is their vision to “show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru.”
Today, a customer called me on the telephone, and he was in pain. He complained about tension, stress, and worry.
I prescribed a family vacation at the beach.
Today, a customer e-mailed me, and she was tired. She complained about her workload and lack of quality time with her family.
I prescribed a family vacation in the mountains.
Today, your customers will ask questions. Some questions will be in person, others in an e-mail or over the phone, and many questions through “chat” or on social media.
Rest assured, your customers will ask questions. Lots of questions!
Today was the absolute worst day ever
And don’t try to convince me that
There’s something good in every day
Because, when you take a closer look
This world is a pretty evil place.
Even if
Some good does shine through once in a while
Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.
And it’s not true that
It’s all in the mind and heart
Because
Sometimes we let events come and then we react. And for the most part, we have been very successful. We have a strong company, and great leadership. Sometimes the unexpected happens, and we are blindsided and left numb. Whether it is an illness, a disgruntled guest, misunderstood communications, unanswered e-mails, or budget overrun, we run for cover, consultation, or rationalize the situation to others and ourselves. It's in these times that we need to remind ourselves - what does success look like?
Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a life for someone who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was also a ministry.
Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, and made me laugh...
Mom, though it has been many years since these events have occurred, I think of them often and wonder why you did what you did.
What events?
Well, when I was in eight grade and on the CYO Basketball team, I was one of their star players. We had a great season, and we were on our way to the championship. The championship game was set for Saturday, and we were all thrilled. When I told you about the game, you told me that I could not go because we were expected at Pop-Pop and Nanny’s home for dinner in Philadelphia.
Research shows we retain...
- 10% of what we read
- 20% of what we hear
- 30% of what we see
- 50% of what we see and hear
- 70% of what we discuss
- 80% of what we practice
- 95% of what we teach
- 100% of what we love
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“I made it to work in only 35 minutes. A new record!”
“A new record?”
“Yes… my previous record was 41 minutes. I am on a roll!”
“What made the difference?”