November 2021 – Repertoire Magazine
A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way
I remember as a young man listening to older folks talk about how time speeds up as you age. One conversation with an older woman on a plane comes to mind. My family and I were flying back from a wedding in North Carolina, and Scottie my oldest son was screaming his head off due to an ear infection. I was on edge because I knew the entire plane had to be thinking “can you shut that kid up?” Just before I lost my mind, a sweet little eldery woman said, “Son, days like these are long, but I promise you the years are short.”
I never forgot her words. In fact, almost every congratulation card for a new baby I’ve given since then has had that story inside. Over the past 24 months, I believe we’ve all faced some long days – and in many cases we still are – but we must step back and remember with those long days comes short years.
This month’s cover story is with Jon Wells of Midmark. I also did a Road Warriors podcast with him that is worth listening to when you have a few minutes. In this Q&A with Jon, a few things repeatedly came to the surface:
1. Listen to your customer, and for that matter your parents, kids, co-workers, and friends. In all of life’s rush, take time to stop and listen. It’s an amazing way to let people know how much you care.
2. Be obsessed with your clients. After listening to them, you’ll learn everything you need to know about their needs, and that’s when you’ll have the opportunity to solve their biggest problems.
3. Care and kindness. At Midmark, it all starts with caring about your fellow colleague. Which then
leads to a culture of success. People will never care how much you know until they know how much
you care.
All three of these points have something in common – they tell us to stop and slow down so we can appreciate those around us. So, even with our long days, we must remember the years are short. What we choose to do today could have a lifetime effect on someone else.
The day I interviewed Jon it was raining sideways. When I drove home, I passed my mailman putting letters and packages in everyone’s box while it was pouring outside. Jon inspired me that day, because I rushed inside my house, heated up a cup of tomato soup, and took it to my mailman. The gentleman was so touched, he teared up and said: “You have no idea how much I needed that today.”
I don’t share this story to brag on my good deed; I only share it to say, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Thank you for all you do every day for our country and its caregivers. Hopefully this story will encourage you to show some of them your gratitude for all they do to take care of us.
Dedicated to the industry,
R. Scott Adams