Recently we paid a brief visit to “A Tale of Two Cities.” It merits another visit because the “worst of times” in which we are living may require more attention than what we have been contributing to it.
Most of today’s population has lived during times that were “the best of times” so we have only a brief recognition of day’s gone bye. Here’s a brief visit to an event that describes what interpersonal contacts are all about.
Even though daily activities are filled with news reports with major international implications, sometimes the small, almost insignificant happenings have the strongest impact and the longest life. Here’s an example.
Many years ago I experienced such an unexpected event that has stayed with me for the major part of my life. The event itself lasted only a brief moment, but I remember it as if it happened this morning.
I was an accidental participant to a personal interaction. Here’s what happened. I was on leave from my military assignment in London when I went for a walk near Buckingham Palace. A crowd had assembled near the gates so I joined them to see what was happening.
Cars came out of the gates and headed right toward where I was standing. I realized quickly that Queen Elizabeth was in the car very close to where I was standing. I could see her clearly as her car came close. She was smiling and waving to the assembled group. I was in a perfect spot.
A little elderly lady was standing next to me, and it was easy to see the excitement in her eyes. She was going to get a closeup of her Queen!
As the procession passed within just a couple of feet from where we were standing the Queen waved and smiled right into the eyes of that lady. And the lady beamed with excitement and recognition. She smiled and waved back at the Queen and in a warm, loving manner said, “Bye-Bye.”
I’ll never forget the love, respect, and warmth she extended to her Queen.
That image was a wonderful example of how we can connect with other people. I’m sure that lady never met the Queen face-to-face, but that wasn’t important!
She had been close to her Queen. The connection was electric, and she addressed her just as she would have addressed her own daughter or a neighbor leaving on a vacation trip. “Bye-Bye” spoke volumes.
As we navigate through our own years and experiences, all of us make lasting connections. Relish and respect them because they are gifts to be cherished.
During these trying days look for and cherish those connections when they appear. They may be few and far between, but they will be there if we look for them.
During the days that were calm and comfortable before the COVID-19 struck, most of us were busy and involved with a myriad of activities. We missed paying attention to the “special” connections that were probably close to us. Now we have time and the environment that allow us to pay attention and to make connections.
Turn the tensions into opportunities.
Take advantage of the new conditions that we are dealing with now, because all too soon, the world will probably change again. (It seems to have a way of doing that.) And then we’ll be occupied with making new plans and adjustments. We’ll be too busy to “smell the roses.” What a loss that will be because we never know what each day will offer to us.
Yesterday I received a phone message from a client I hadn’t heard from in many years. He just wanted to say “hello” and ask how I was doing.
After that note I was much better than I had been prior to opening my phone message. I was pleased to be able to reply “I’m OK. How are you?” His message was a reminder of how important it is to reach out to others — not just friends, but business associates and acquaintances, as well.
It doesn’t take much effort to make a lasting impression.
So. For now, Bye-Bye.
Siesta Key resident J. Robert Parkinson, who has a doctorate in communications from Syracuse University, is an author, executive communication coach and consultant to companies throughout the U.S. and abroad. His books include, “Be as Good as You Think You Are” (Motivational Press), written with his wife, Eileen; “Becoming a Successful Manager” (McGraw-Hill) and “You Can't Push A String” (Black Opal Books). Contact him at joropa@northwestern.edu.
"lasting" - Google News
April 18, 2020 at 02:20AM
https://ift.tt/34KKwXD
PARKINSON: It doesn’t take much effort to make a lasting impression - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
"lasting" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2tpNDpA
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "PARKINSON: It doesn’t take much effort to make a lasting impression - Sarasota Herald-Tribune"
Post a Comment