Back to the Basics! Be Kind!
Morteza Shokri PhD, PMP, CCP
Mentor | Senior Project and Program Manager | Senior Consultant | Enabling people and projects?
One Day, One Story!
"A large Oat Flat White, please," I order my coffee.
The young girl starts entering the information into the system very quickly. She makes mistakes and re-enters the info. I look around. I'm the first customer; apparently, she still needs to be prepared. "All good?" I asked.
"Yes. The bloody thing doesn't let me... Oh! God."
"Look. I'm not in a rush. Take your time. I'll sit right there. Let me know when it's a good time."
"Oh! o! o! OK. Sure".
I pick a table, sit behind it and set up my laptop, glasses, and earphones. I start listening to a podcast.
"Did you say a large Oat Flat White?" I turn and look at her. She's in her early 20s, confident, beautiful and soft-spoken. "Yes. Thanks." I realise two people are now waiting for her to take their orders.
"I'm sorry. I'll come and make the payment."
Confidently, she puts her right hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry. It's on me."
I'm still trying to digest what happened when she whispers in my left ear.
"Thank YOU!"?
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Another Day, Another Story!
I get up in the morning. Had a very rough night. The world is revolving in my head. I wasn't there for him. My dad passed away thousands of miles away from me the day before, and I couldn't make it. The pain is excruciating. I don't believe that it's my fault. It's nobody's. It's…it's just life the way it is.
My beautiful wife looks at me. "What's the plan?"
This is an odd situation. I'm usually the one who asks such questions. Well! This time I need to lean on her. The man of her life, the ever-energetic, motivating, smart and friendly guy, is in pain.
"I don't know". I respond.
"Breakfast?" She asks, knowing how much I love breakfasts.
"Sure!"
"What's the occasion?" The young girl behind the counter asks me. We just finished breakfast, and I'm ready to make the payment. Honesty hits me. "Be vulnerable, Morteza! No need to hide the pain". I sigh. "Well! It's a recovery. My father passed away last night, and we thought it's a good idea to get out and have something."
"Would you like some tarts? That's the least I can offer." She offers politely, softly, and with a high level of compassion.
I always thought only people from the collective culture had that compassion. This young girl broke all my judgmental thoughts.
Next, I remember walking out of the café with my teary eyes and a bag of tarts.?
Karma is a b*#*&. An interesting one.
MBA, CPMAI+, PgMP, PMP, CMP, PBA, PSM, CC, ITIL SL, ITIL MP | Cross-functional project manager integrating business and technical teams in the delivery of digital transformation initiatives.
1 年The best form of currency is free
Infrastructure Advisory | Capital Delivery | Business Development
1 年Wow, Morteza! I loved how you reflected on your vulnerable state and the power of human connection. I learn and get inspired by your integrity and authenticity every day. I miss our deep and purposeful conversations mate!