Forget and Forgive

I ran into an old friend yesterday after not seeing him for a few years. The last time we spoke, he screamed and I listened. I was caught in the line of fire between him and someone else. It was unfortunatel.  I was extremely disappointed but given the circumstances, I stayed clear from any future dealings with him. I avoided going to his class and walked the opposite way when I saw him around the neighborhood. The explosive story never ended. I recreated the drama when I told friends and shared my peace with those who would listen.

When I ran into him in the chips aisle at the Andronico’s market, I acted as though nothing happened. In so many words, I chose to forgive him but will never forget what happened a few years ago.  I have this bad habit of acting overly happy, perfect and super together when I don’t feel safe around someone. I guess it’s a defense I still put up to protect myself.

In sales, we risk rejection all the time and the concept of information integration is something we don’t spend enough time on. We forget when we call someone we’ve had numerous conversations with in the past to bring up the detail. We forgive the fact they were super rude to us the last time we spoke and said they didn’t have time to talk. We forget they said they were opening up new offices in the Spring and we forgive the fact that this guy had you running in circles to organize a demo and ended up cancelling a few minutes prior.

I encourage you to bring more of yourselves to the call the same way I should have brought more of myself to my meeting with Mr. Explosive yesterday. Because…… they will never know unless we say something.