Call me by name please.

I realized something interesting at the fitness center this morning.  One of the trainers was there early to workout.  He knows almost every 'regular' patron by first name. And sometimes knows a few details such as spouse's or kids' names, etc.

It always feels good when he walks by and says "Hey Jenny" - actually using my name instead of just "Hey".

So this morning I noticed something interesting.  He spoke to me and several other people he passed on his way to the back of the room.  Everyone he spoke to seemed to perk up just a bit. 

Thinking of other times I've watched him interact with patrons, I've noticed the same thing.  When he speaks to someone, calling them by name, they perk up.  Their workout seems to get just a little more energetic or they have a new smile on their face.  It's really noticeable if he stops and chats with them. 

I've also seen him stop and speak to people he didn't recognize.  One lady in particular.  She was visiting relatives and staying a local hotel.  The hotel and the fitness center have a deal where hotel guests can come workout.  I heard him telling her he didn't recognize her and ask who she was.  She told him she was a guest from the hotel. 

Then the fun began.  He asked her about her relatives and where she was from.  He offered to show her how to use any of the machines.  And just chatted for 4-5 minutes. 

That's all it took. This lady, who didn't know anyone in the place, suddenly 'looked' like she had been coming there for years.  Her demeanor changed, she looked comfortable, she stood a little straighter, she had a smile on her face and she started chatting with people around her.  It was nice to watch. 

I'm not sure if he's doing it on purpose, or if it's just his nature to be "personally friendly" with people.  But he seems to have a perfect way to make his patrons feel welcome.  And in a gym, that is not always easy!

Now I wonder, if we all treated our clients/customers the same way, would they feel more welcome, and even "wanted"?  I know I like to be called by name. 

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Moving forward sometimes means going backwards!

A wise man said something to me today: "Moving forward sometimes means going backwards"! 

It made some sense at the time.  It is really hitting home now, a couple hours later!

We were catching up at lunch; talking about family, jobs/work, etc. I mentioned I sometimes feel like I'm spinning my wheels and not moving forward (about work things).  His question: "What does moving forward mean"?

Good question!  I stumbled a bit and finally came to this answer.  In my world of graphic and web design, moving forward means new projects, new things/designs/ideas to work with, etc.  I need some forward movement to remain interested/creative. 

He then answered me with his own thought that moving forward sometimes meant going backwards - or at least looking backwards. 

My friend has worked in several industries for large and small companies.  The past couple of years he worked for small businesses and had become increasingly unhappy with what he was doing for a living.

Last year on a trip 'home' to visit realatives, he had a chance to look around his home town.  He told me about houses remodeled, streets changed, store fronts gone, etc.  He realized, that simpler time might just be what he was looking for. 

With only a few years left until he officially retires, he decided to just go get a job doing something for someone else.  He clocks in, works, and clocks out. Then he goes home to enjoy his family and hobbies without carrying the stress of work with him.

And I have to tell you...  he looks great and he seems relaxed and "happy"! 

For my friend - "going backward" was how he moved "forward". 

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