Note to Self: Time for All Things.
I find myself saying, “Take your time,” a lot these days. It’s not just because of supply chain disruption or staffing shortages. In an era of instant download and same-day delivery, time has become a two-headed monster. We want things to happen faster than an electron; yet we risk forgetting that dealing with people is about
Moments that Matter!
Over the weekend, I ventured back to the shopping mall. At one point I decided to try on some shoes, in anticipation of some in-person events this month. I introduced myself to a clerk. “Thank you for shopping with us in person today,” he said. “And for being my first customer of the day.”
“It might take a few extra minutes to find your size. They have completely rearranged the stockroom. Is that ok?”
“No problem,” I said. “Take your time.”
As I sat and watched people pass through the store, I noticed a peculiar pattern: They walked briskly around each other. And looked over their shoulders on the escalator. If they picked up something, they turned it over in their hands quickly and replaced it. Everyone was a bit antsy, moving more frenetically than i remembered in the past. Maybe it was just the nerves of readjusting to being around each other.
And maybe it was a reminder to take - and give - ourselves a little bit of time.
Ten minutes later, a gentleman in a suit appeared. “I’m sorry for the wait. Your clerk will be right back. He is having trouble finding your size.”
“I’m not in a hurry,” I said. “Thanks for letting me know.”
“Well, it’s his first day,” the manager said. “So he’s still learning.”
“Ah, that’s what I do for a living,” I said. “Most of my clients are learning and improving, and it’s not even their first day! Tell him to take his time.”
“We appreciate your patience,” bowed the manager as he turned to walk away.
“If that’s all he needs to have a good first day, I’m happy to wait,” I said as I sat back down.
What do you really need to have a good day? Is it merely more business or speed or money or inventory? Or could it be something else?
A bit of understanding by a colleague.
A pause before the reply from a texting customer. A tap on the brakes to let someone pass in front of you. A slow breath of patience when poised to reply to a friend’s post online.
Many of the best parts of life take time. For all the wonders of uplinking and downloading and drone-dropped-delivery, there is a good reason the sunset hasn’t sped up over the centuries. So too, a conversation with people who matter - without a 1.5x setting of our speed-obsessed apps.
Sharing our time - and patience - might just be the “first day” we all need!
Moments later, my clerk reappeared. “No apologies,” I preempted the look on his face. Three boxes later, I was checking out at the register. “You can just tap to pay,” he said. “It saves time.”
“Good” I said with a big grin. “That gives me a few extra minutes to wrap up with you properly. I hear it’s your first day. Let’s make it a moment to remember,” I said, “before it fades to a blur in the past.”
“You want a picture with me?” He seemed surprised.
“Of course,” I said. “What better use is there, for spending my time!”
Moments that matter
Take less time than you think.
And give more, too,
of the ultimate gift:
YOU!