“How you treat someone you don’t immediately know defines character”.-Rayna Rose Exelbierd
Sometimes the way we interact with others speaks louder than any words ever spoken. A few weeks ago, my friend and I had a breakfast meeting at Starbucks. At some point a woman walked inside and I immediately began complimenting her hair, makeup, and outfit. Minutes later as she began to leave, I asked my friend to excuse me for a second, and went to open the door for the beautiful stranger. Her hands were filled with items and she was shocked I got up from my table.
We began speaking, she mentioned she was a stylist, and offered me a free haircut! It’s wild because just a few days before I was thinking about needing a trim. Since meeting, Poula and I have been in touch through travels, life challenges, and so much more!
Finally today I got my haircut and it was so much fun to spend the hour getting to know each other better. Each of us has gifts we can share with the world. Gifts, talents and emotions that can never be bought. Some are lucky to share them in business, maybe with friends or family, or perhaps with complete strangers.
How you treat someone you don’t immediately know defines character. I look back at a business meeting where the client was awful to the waiter and I should have known at that moment our deal was never going to work. We always say if only what we know now, we knew then.
What I do know is that people want to be reminded they matter. For years, I have been bringing friends and business associates roses. Poula was so surprised I got her flowers and that I made my appointment on time!
I want to encourage you to consider how much a small present or sign of appreciation can make someone else happy. I do this through postcards, snacks, happy birthday messages, and sometimes bouquets of roses. Purchasing roses used to drive an old colleague of mine crazy. A few years ago I brought roses for an administrator contact in Atlanta. When I handed over the flowers, she began crying, sharing that no one had given her flowers since her husband died the year before.
Just like we all have our gifts spiritually, externally we should share that love in a way that feels authentic to each of us. Food, Art, Music, Love, a ride, Kindness- these are just some of the ways that all feel the same in every language. I challenge you to share your gifts with someone new this week! Go be a Poula! You can visit her at Hair by Scott and Co.
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