Lesson: Generosity with your attention is a huge gift
“Time is the new money”
has become a bit of a catch cry at the moment. Time management and energy
management courses and coaching are big business, with everyone trying to
squeeze that extra bit of time out of their busy lives. And with our ever
increasing “connectedness” through devices which become an extension of
ourselves, being present with people when we are face to face with them is
becoming a rarity.
When I was working
with Jeremy, I was based in Shanghai but spent a week in the London office
working on a big project with him. From early morning until evening, there was
a queue of people at Jeremy’s door, wanting a piece of his attention. Most of
them opened by saying “I know you’re busy but I have a quick question”, not
realising that they were the 30th person to say that to him that
day. And yet he greeted every single one of them with a smile, a welcome,
giving them the feeling that they were the first, rather than the 30th,
person to need his advice. I remember so clearly feeling so grateful to have
the opportunity to work with him, to learn from him, to be given the gift of his
time and energy.
Since that time, I
have often had experiences with people lined up needing my attention and time.
Every time without fail that I start to feel frustrated and tired, I remember
how Jeremy made me feel that time in London, and I smile at the next person,
trying to give them the gift he gave me, the feeling that they matter and are
important.
Thank you, Jeremy, for
having a huge impact on my life and giving me a gift which I try to pay forward
and one for which I will be forever grateful. In these times of devices, it is
an even more important lesson. Thank you with all my heart. You are an amazing
person.
