Category: Work

Closing

6:17pm I am fascinated by the internal switch flip that allows someone to be a successful closer. It is the confidence to sell a product/service then have then take it away just enough. The subtle pull back switches someone from logically needing to emotionally wanting. it is “setting the hook.” Waiting for the right moment. the bait is in the mouth. When do you flip the wrist and reel em in?

Journeyman

9:17am I was contacted by a former sales colleague this morning. He asked me to be a reference for a new job. I said I would be happy to. I feel for the guy. He has had a similar career arc in sales that I had. He is a former athlete. Competitive guy. Really nice. But just not able to produce final results. At my present job I enjoy the work, feel I am doing good. But the census and revenue just aren’t there. My sales failure continue to dog me. Even when I am not in sales!

Zombie

6:11am this week went fast. It was a four day work week but still felt quick. I never got going this week. I drank beer on Monday (the holiday observed). Not too much but a fair amount. Yet Every morning I woke up feeling hungover. Not an enjoyable experience. I thought about having a couple beers and watching the basketball championship last night. It was an scenario I usually enjoy. Thursday night, good day at work, light schedule the following day. Time to have some pre-weekend beverages. But my body didn’t want it. I couldn’t stand the thought of a restless sleep and physical exhaustion. That is what gets me. Not nausea, not headaches but exhaustion. The feeling of falling asleep inside. I can’t believe how often I could drink when I was younger. Now I can drink maybe one or two days a week m. And I definitely feel it if I do.

Changes at work

The new company took over last week. Part of the change requires directors to assume many back office HR functions. My mind is adjusting to new ways of thinking. It isn’t easy but good for me to learn new things. Approach different problems. Think more black and white. Specifics oriented

Low key and a glimpse

10:28am I drove to the office this morning to work on a presentation for tomorrow. As I drove I thought about chaplaincy, sales and operations. The three jobs I have had in my twenty two plus year career. Being the hospice chaplain was far and away the best. Sales were far and away the worst. I miss being the chaplain. I am relieved I don’t do sales. Operations aren’t bad. But not my passion. I am not a hard charger. A visitor who interviewed me for this job described me as “low key.” I get that a lot. “Quiet” “low key” “calm presence” those are good traits for a Chaplain, not as much for a leader. Definitely not good traits for sales. As I pulled into the office I had a glimpse of remembering what it felt like to be the chaplain. To not worry about job security. To not be constantly scared of reprimand or dismissal.