Now, I must admit to you, I had been dreading this training for many months prior to actually going - not because I was fearful for my job in any way, or because I doubted my ability to succeed. I have been in my profession for ten years, and like to think that in those ten years, I have learned and grown. However, I am a fairly shy and quiet person, outside of the realm of my comfort zone - and this was 1300 miles from that comfort zone, waltzing into the land of the Ivory Tower of Corporate Headquarters. Yes, I will admit, I was terrified.
The first day of training began well, offering shy smiles to those training with me, as we quietly introduced ourselves to each other. The instructors were warm, welcoming, and yes - even fun. I had found that another woman from my area was also attending, although we had only met once before. During one of our breaks, two of the Corporate Giants came into our training room, walked up to me and the colleague from my area, introduced themselves, and welcomed us. They let us know that the Manager from our region called to let them know that we would be there, and they just wanted to stop in and welcome us personally.
Wow! Talk about a shock. Not only did the Manager from our area take the time to make that call, but the Corporate Giants took the time out of their schedule to stop in and welcome us. This would seem like such a small thing, but so thoughtful and had an enormous effect on my own comfort level and helped me to settle in.
In addition to our class time, we also had a project to do in teams in the evenings. We had to take a troubled business, and prepare a presentation on how we would turn that business around. We were given massive amounts of data - everything from Profit and Loss statements, Balance Sheets and Budgets, marketing, advertising, competition, and service scores. In every aspect that this business was failing, we had to present a plan to fix it and turn it into a success. Then, to top it all off, we were told that we would be graded on this presentation, and the grade would play a part in determining if we passed and obtained our certification.
I confidently took the data, knowing it would take some time, but I had no doubt that I could do it. Piece of cake - even creating the Powerpoint presentation would be no problem! But - gulp - public speaking?
In my job, my own humble castle, on a regular basis I have to speak publicly to my staff, give presentations, hold our own training, speak daily to people I've never met and so much more. But that is in my own castle, with my comfortable shield and protective armor. This was different.
We spent the evenings working on our project, and the last day of training came, and it was time for our presentation. I knew that we had worked hard together, and had done a thorough job, but inside I was terrified of getting up in front. I had shared these feelings with my teammates the evening before as we practiced with the final presentation.
But now was the moment of truth, it was do or die - time to get up. Once again, just as I knew it would happen, my heart began racing, my hands shaking, the whole nine yards. We stand up and walk to the front of the room, and as I am preparing the Powerpoint presentation, one of my teammates, a kind sweet lady from Mississippi, handed me a small folded up note.
It said:
"Bernadine, wear your knowledge it will show your confidence"
This completely flipped a switch in my brain. For one, at the precise moment that we were on stage, ready to go, I was startled by this amazing act of kindness. Yes, it may have taken her only a few seconds to write those few short words, but it is a kindness that I will remember always.
Yes, I got through the presentation, still a bit nervous, but much calmer than I had been before. We got a 98%, and yes, I received my certification.
This trip stands out for me, and will be remembered always because of those Acts of Kindness. And now, because of the Manager who took the time to make that call, the Corporate Giants who warmly welcomed me to the Ivory Tower, and to the sweet lady from Mississippi, and each of you who spread Kindness daily ...
I must change my title and say a sincere "Thank You"
There's No Such Thing as a Simple Act of Kindness
Every single act, has the power to touch another person more deeply than you will ever know!
