(J.M. – USA) I left work early on Friday, and so on Monday, when I came into the office, there was a nice long ‘to do’ list…emails from clients, voicemails to return, regular mail to open. When I sat down at my desk, I immediately threw myself into the tasks. I had marked myself on our company in and out board as ‘in’ but ‘”DND’ (Do Not Disturb).
After a few minutes, there was a knock at the door, and one of our younger staff opened the door and said “Good morning, how was your weekend?” Of course, my first thought was, “Hey, didn’t you see the D‑N-D in the in and out board?” My second thought was “I don’t have time for this, I hope she hurries up.” Then, I remembered, “This is my neighbor, she is important.”
I told her about my weekend and asked about hers. We also talked about her young son who had been sick the week before, and caused her to miss work to take care of him. I really tried to listen well, and offered some of my own sick child experiences.
In a short time, she also asked about the work load this week and what she could do, especially to help me. By the time she left my office, she had taken two piles of my things, and I couldn’t help smiling, knowing that this ‘relief’ was a sure sign of doing the right thing to take a moment to pay attention to every person.
