Experience on 85th Street

This is a story of something I learned in business but I soon found it was definitely not limited to business. The story begins 4 months after I started a sales job. I was asked to come into a future leader training program and be trained by the woman who owned the business and was also the major trainer. One of the first activities expected was going out with the owner/trainer and interview prospective sales people. I was to have three people lined up for us to interview. The day before, I was beyond nervous. I had asked no one, and did not know if I could work up the courage. My husband said, you can do this so you better get on the phone now. After dinner, I finally got on the phone and made a few calls. To my amazement, three people in the north end of Seattle agreed to have us stop by.

As we drove up I-5 I sat in her big car and felt the soft leather seats below me. Vangy, the owner, was dressed professionally and looked like the leader she was. To me she seemed to be the most successful woman I had ever known personally. We turned off on north 85th and headed west. Then across Aurora Avenue and up the hill toward Greenwood.

Just at the top of the rise, she said, "I have been watching you, and I think you have everything it takes to go to the top in this business." As she spoke the words, I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up...and a chill run up my spine. I literally had a physical reaction when someone believed in me.

It was a turning point in my life.

Soon I was promoted to management and over the next 10 years I worked all over greater Seattle. Each time I crossed that point, I felt the hair stand up on the back of my neck and felt the chill run up my spine. I relived the special moment over and over. A mentor asked me years later if I had any idea how often I may have gone out of my way to cross that spot. I couldn't consciously remember doing that, but who knows.

The lesson for me was that Vangy saw the leader I could be, not the scared young mother I was then. She verbalized where she could see me and planted the dream in my mind and in my heart. What a priceless gift and it cost her nothing. I should also mention that Vangy did not stop there. She taught me what I needed to know to get to the top.

Look around yourself and see who has potential and does not see it or believe it, yet. Verbalize your belief. You can give them a dream and a hope for a better life.

Now you see what I meant at the beginning. Many of our loved ones and friends need a dream and a hope. Make a point to find opportunities to tell the people you love how you see them and why.

Be the difference! You too could be a life coach for these people. Think about it!