Just white it out!
As a business professional, I attend a lot of networking events. I understand the importance of meeting people every day. I enjoy learning about people’s stories and as well as finding a connection in the conversation. Building a network is one of the most important things we need to do in our careers.
One of the traditions in networking is to exchange business cards. LinkedIn now how a way to scan profiles for an easier connection on their platform and us great when you don’t have a card. However, people still like to exchange cards. Some of the cards are really creative from the shape of the card to the messaging. As I think about these cards, it takes me back to an earlier time in my career when I got a promotion in my company and needed to order new business cards.
I was so excited to know I was going to have new business cards with my senior manager title. I remember the day the cards came in when I opened the box and pulled out the cards to review and put in my cardholder on my desk. When I looked closely, I noticed there was an error with spelling on the title. I was so bummed and immediately called the place where I ordered the cards. When I told the guy about the error —- without hesitation he replied “Bruce, just white it out”. I said excuse me... he said yea just white it out. It’s no big deal. what? I was so frustrated. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I went on to share how it was not acceptable and he finally stopped as I was starting to rant to let me know he was only kidding and would get the cards replaced and sent over this week. I couldn’t believe that I got so upset. He was chuckling on the other end of the phone and then said, Bruce, you okay? He felt bad as he was just teasing. But I thought, “how did I let something so small upset me”. You see, I had set my expectations that everything had to be perfect as a young manager, then when it didn’t go as planned, I got frustrated. Isn’t that just silly?
When I looked back, I realized that I was just having a bad day, I was young manager trying to make my mark in my department and didn’t realize how small this mistake really was. I was so embarrassed. It’s such an easy fix.
I learned so much from that call.
First, I learned to be more patient. We all make mistakes. Things happen. In our careers. In our personal life. We need to be patient when we talk to people.
Second, we need to have more compassion. We all make mistakes and that’s okay. My friend Sandra always says “look for the bigs in the littles”. The big in this little was all about patience and compassion. its all about the story. What story are we shaping when we communicate with others. What story are we shaping with our leadership approach?
I recently called a client to let her know I made a mistake and forgot to add something to the estimate. She was patient as I explained what happened and didn’t get upset and had compassion for the error. I was super grateful for the understanding.
What am I saying? Let’s make patience and compassion part of our approach this week. ...and if it’s a little error, let’s just “white it out”!
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller! For more information, call 972-389-5673, or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com or check out my social media Facebook and Twitter page. Also, check out www.BruceWaller.com to review my leadership books “Life in the Leadership Lane”, “Find Your Lane” or pick up a copy of my journal “Milemarkers” to start recording your everyday. All books are available on amazon. Be sure to subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel to watch the video podcasts and other messages to help you lead in the workplace! “Life in the Leadership Lane podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform including APPLE, GOOGLE, and SPOTIFY. Interested in a book club? Join our book club “CLIMB” on Facebook.