“We are good at what we do.”
“I know you are confident. I am sure there is evidence to support your position. The challenge is that your customers are not telling you what they are tell others.”
“What are they saying? How can it possibly be true?”
“They are saying that they expect more than you are giving.”
“How can they say that? We are good at what we do. Our numbers prove our point.”
How do you tell someone something that they do not want to hear? Is there a way of presenting the facts and information so that they understand? The conversation I was having was not getting me closer to my goal. In fact, it was increasingly frustrating! It felt as if my audience believed that their version of truth was universal. Candidly, “I’m [was] tired of hearing, ‘we can talk anyone into anything! Our lips manage the world.’” (Psalm 12.4) At some point, they were going to face reality.
As I took a deep breath, gathering my energy to take on the conversation, I realized I was looking at myself in the mirror. How many times have I felt the pressure to understand something that did not make sense? I do not want to add up the numbers. I remembered the mantras that have been helpful for me as I began to speak.
Walking with me from where the place where I am standing is better than telling me to meet someone in a different place. It can be difficult to understand where I need to go if I am not sure what is wrong with where I am.
Reminding me of why we are walking together can help me find the courage to continue with you. It is easy to forget why we are sharing the journey – remembering helps.
Listening to me is more important than telling me. Answers are not always the best response.
As my words began to form, I began to see the beginnings of a fresh journey with new friends. It is good to walk with others.
