Never let a problem to be solved be more important than a person to be loved...This phrase ran through my head today, seconds after a brief encounter with one of my coworkers. This woman was friendly, had always been kind and helpful. We had worked together occasionally but not consistently, and I had always appreciated knowing her and the help that she had provided me in the past. Her last day was today and her going-away party was two days prior. I had signed a "Good Luck" card.
I searched her out today shortly after 5:00pm in hopes that I could wish her well in person but randomly ran into her in the restroom, making that search seem quite unplanned. I had been meaning to and had actually started a more personalized goodbye note but never got around to sending it. I had also failed to attend her goodbye party because of a difficult and extremely busy week. After all, I had a million emails, phone calls, and two large events to be planned.
We chatted briefly and as always she was as kind as ever but one thing she said cut to the core. Her intent was not malicious or condemning, but it deemed personal reprimand. "You didn't come to my party." Out of the throngs of employees that knew and loved her, she noticed that I wasn't there. I fumbled over my words offering a flimsy excuse of getting caught up in work, having every intention of coming downstairs, blah, blah, blah. I was able to recover quickly, wished her well, and gave her a hug. But those words have stuck with me all day and I am ashamed.
I let a problem to be solved become more important than a person. Yes, work is important. The work that I was doing was important. But I could have spared ten minutes. Work could have waited. And yet it didn't and I am left with regret. Today's experience reminded me that our decisions define us and that when all is said and done, it's not going to matter if we closed that extra deal or if we sent out that email reminder according to schedule. What really matters in life, is how we treat people and what we become as a result.
1 comment:
There is another component of that idea that should also be considered: intention. You have one of the purest hearts I've ever been blessed to know and your intention was there to support that woman and show your appreciation of her. A lot of people would have prioritized work because they consider themselves more important. Knowing you, you were working on things for others so their lives would be made easier. And yes, it would have been 10 minutes or reprieve and next time I'm sure you'll take those 10 minutes. Not only for that woman, but for you too. All because your intention always puts others first and that's an amazingly unique attribute. Don't forget it.
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