Retired - Next Phase

The Obama CONNECTION

The roar of the crowd is quieted, the excitement quelled, the streets of DC swept and cleaned, but enveloping so many of us are the exciting feelings of hope, optimism, and a sense of renewal. 

Our new president is obviously very bright, young, and fit--three positives, but there is more, a lot more than appeals to so many people all over the world.

As I observed President Obama watch the marching bands from the viewing stands on Inauguration Day, I got it--HE CONNECTS WITH PEOPLE.  What does that mean? 

Many years ago my husband and I received free tickets to a very expensive dinner for a candidate for the senate. We were delighted. The dinner was excellent, and the humorous comedian, Henny Youngman, was the master of ceremonies. 

When dinner was over, the guests lined up to shake hands with the candidate. I felt so honored--until I got within two people of him. As he shook each person’s hand, he looked over their shoulder to the next person in line. I never once made eye contact with him; he was too busy looking over my shoulder and mouthing the correct words as he shook my hand. He never saw me! I wasn’t important enough to warrant his attention. What’s Maya Angelou say: "People may not remember what you did or what you said but they will always remember how you made them feel."  

Barack Obama innately follows Maya Angelou’s sentiment. From the viewing stand, he applauded the marching bands, but even more, he CONNECTED with them, making eye contact, pointing, making the band members feel as if they had been seen. That was my “aha” moment, seeing him look with such kindness and appreciation at each group and they walked by.

His oratorical elegance, his grace, his confidence, and his quick-witted sense of humor add to his specialness, but what brings that specialness home is his ability to CONNECT.

CONNECTION implies acceptance, even if not in agreement. It implies respect.

The difference between eye contact and CONNECTION lies in one word--sincerity. People feel it, sense it, know it when they see it. That’s what I perceive as President Obama’s great attribute, his ability to CONNECT.

As teachers, speakers, presenters, we know how important it is to CONNECT with our audience. CONNECTION makes the difference between success and failure.

I feel certain that we have in store for us a fantastic opportunity to fine-tune our skills just by carefully observing our new president over the next eight years.

Warmth Works

Some places I enjoy visiting just because I leave feeling better than when I entered. This morning I went to the bank to close my savings account and transfer the funds to a higher interest-paying money market account. A tall, lanky young man of mideast descent now handles customer service, a promotion from his former teller job. He is quiet yet warm and welcoming. I think it is his eyes. He has kind eyes, and I always look forward to working with him.

He first came to the bank about a year ago, and early on helped me out when I was in a real bind. I had no checks with me and the ATM machine was broken. Without hesitation, he asked me the information he needed and viola, I had my withdrawal from him.

Thereafter, whenever I went through the drive-through, I always managed to get his attention and thank him again.

The point is simple: people are attracted to people who make them feel good. I'm sure this young man has problems in his life, but he doesn't bring them with him. He efficiently and competently handles my account and makes me feel special merely through his demeanor. What a nice way to start the day!