In order to find the meaning...set out on the journey...
Glenn Manko
Integrity is crucial for establishing strong relationships, as it fosters trust and reliability. In customer service, focus should be on building long-term relationships, not treating interactions as mere transactions.
Many years ago (more than I care to admit), I took an interpersonal communications class in college. The professor, a woman who was incredibly articulate and passionate about the human experience...repeatedly emphasized that no matter what the message was, you had to make a real connection...based in truth, leveled by integrity and driven by passion...whether with a loved one, a friend, an audience or a client...
This professor also talked about finding the passion in communicating...where to draw from and what to look for...and how to use that passion to shape the message and tell the story. Needless to say, her class and the Constantine Cavafy poem she gave us at the end of the semester entitled "Ithaca," made a powerful and lasting impression on me and on everyone one of us in that class.
"Ithaca" is based on Homer's account of Odysseus's journey home. As you may expect from this influence, the poem has so much to say about life in all its complexity, with both the setbacks and the positive memories that become inevitable. Like so many self-help books advise, the poem urges you to live for the journey rather than the expected end-point, in order to have a flourishing and fulfilling life.
As "Ithaca" suggests, we should not wish away our time, but "ask that [our] way be long". We may have problems at work, financial worries, or have lost a loved one, but when we eventually, and inevitably, overcome these troubles (or when we reach our own metaphorical Ithaca) we will be so much the stronger. Moreover, if the same challenges reoccur - which is likely - we will be able to deal with them in a much stronger and more experienced way.
I share this post and "Ithaca" as a reminder that as we go through our days...whether working with with clients, parenting children, building friendships or just following a path...remember to take in the journey...maintain the value of relationships...and stay in an honest posture, with yourself and with others...
The journey is the reward...
