the human connection

cold calling my way through business client sheets updating information isn't usually my favorite thing.  but i'm learning to see it as an opportunity to connect with others and share in humanity together.

 i just listened to a wonderful TED talk about we empaths can impact the business world by using our sensitivities to notice the slightest things and serve others in ways that may otherwise go undetected. 

as per usual, i open the necessary computer tabs, post my list of things to remember to say in the proper order by the screen, and make sure my paper for notes is handy.

one never knows the situation on the other end of the phone in the best of times, so once i identify myself and the purpose for calling i pause to check in with how they are doing this year.  the odds lurking in the back of my mind inevitably caught up with me today when the person on the other end said, "oh, i'm sorry to tell you, but they passed away."

their beloved boss contracted covid and seemed to be making a full recovery when she suddenly passed away the day after thanksgiving.  here was an invitation to empathy if ever there was one.  this particular client lived across the country and i found my eyes tearing up even though we'd never met.  i was able to arrange for condolence cards and bottles of their favorite wine to be delivered free of charge to all the office mates and to the client's daughter. 

as i chose varietals and wrote sympathy cards, i paused before the client update tab.  the "reason for leaving" choices seemed to be staring me down.  'moving...financial reasons...'  death was not listed as an option, so i chose "health concerns" and then filled in notes at the bottom of the screen before clicking 'save'.   

this was more than a spreadsheet update, it was a human life.  i needed to take a little break to clear the catch in my throat and the waver in my voice before continuing down the call sheet.

the very next client was exhuberant and expecting a much-tried for and anticipated baby.  

mourn with those who mourn.  rejoice with those who rejoice.  

the rest of the calls were somewhere in between.

now instead of secretly hoping calls go to voicemail, i'm actually looking forward to a person picking up the phone.  who knows how our days may be enhanced by turning a routine business call into a chance for human connection?