In my younger days, my first enterprise after many years of being employed was as a business consultant. My speciality was Quality Management Systems, which I designed specifically for each client to comply with the British Standards ISO 9001.
Often, I was given an overview of the way the business was running and left to my own devices to come up with a plan of action and then deliver the system as required.
I had some small and a few very large clients and I loved every minute, though the staff training part was the most arduous.
If had known then what I know now, that would have been somewhat easier as my life developed so did my understanding of people and the all-encompassing love that I have to give, and my ability to teach.
So, reflecting on my previous life’s work I see many comparisons; some of my clients nowadays want me to wave a magic wand and create what they are unable to make for themselves, just as my business clients did.
For instance, a lady in her late 60s, who had been a client some years ago and has had a really difficult life, called me recently and suggested just one new session with me would change her life.
Well, it has to be said there have been times with some people that one session did do just that but, in this instance, I know from experience that working with her will take a few months of sessions.
What she needs is some quality management; a structure by which to live, some organisation and a sufficient amount of common sense and practicality. Rather than say no to ‘mission impossible’ I send her some information and a quote about living in the now, rather than her persistent dwelling on her difficult past.
But many people find that the past is more real than what is really real! I am sure you will know a few. How many times have you heard the same story, the same anecdotes from a dear friend? So many times, you could scream “You have told me this before” but say nothing so as not to embarrass or hurt their feelings.
My conclusion to all this is to ask what is their new story, what are they doing now and listen intently so that the importance of hearing is not lost. We can talk forever but to know that a person is truly listening makes it important and valuable.
We all need to be valued…so listen to those stories but make sure they are new ones.
Blessings and love Diane