Lessons
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A series of work/life lessons from the walk, as posted on my LinkedIn page each week.
#17: Sometimes all that’s needed is just to listen. No action necessary.
My Airbnb host was a teacher. And a mother with 3# young children. Lovely children - chatty, smiling, polite. No partner around. Money tight – hence Airbnb. Heating barely on. Two children moved out of their room to accommodate me. Mother frazzled, stressed by looking after the children, fixing the wifi and tidying up in readiness for my stay. Still on the fridge, the children’s Xmas wish lists. Two were normal: asking for teddie bears, games etc. The other had just two items. Second was a BMX bike. But first there were 4 simple, heartfelt, heartbreaking words: “Mum to be happy”. That was all the child wanted for Christmas.
What can you do? I just listened. And bought the host some flowers (couldn’t stop myself).
Simply listening, without “doing” anything, can often make a big difference.
Lesson #17: Sometimes all that’s needed is just to listen. No action necessary. |
