She Backed Me

Before the noon of 13th of November, it had never happened that I failed to pitch and that the spokesperson at the client's end was surprisingly kind.

Let me take you-

That morning, while doing my regular breakfast of two sunny sides and a shot of latte, I was absorbed into the done & dusted proposal that I along with my colleague was supposed to pitch, in just a couple of hours. 

Frankly, for me, it’s never been a herculean task to network, understand, research, curate, and pitch strategic solutions. I have been doing this for years now but, that day before leaving for the meeting, I was a little concerned; I wasn’t sure if my throat would support me as I was combating with acute dust allergy which had bruised my throat.

Anyways, let's get back to the scenario, I and my colleague timely reached the client's office and were patiently sitting in one of their conference rooms where we were laughingly discussing a range of things with Nehaar- our spokesperson. We conversed about- the changing weather, new marketing trends, and the challenges of building value-based campaigns while waiting for one of their VPs. 

Twenty minutes had passed by, by this time we had connected our presentation devices as well when suddenly I had an episode of non-stop coughing and hard breathing which collectively caused the involuntary tears to gush down my face. It was so sudden and the conference room was so silent, that I could not do anything other than pulling the door & moving out, only to see that the VP was finally there to enter by pushing the same door. 

Must’ve been damn embarrassing for me, right? To walk out through the door when the decision-maker was eventually about to join? Well, I'm glad if you're able to feel me. However, this is my narrative; not other people's side of the episode. So, imagine the possible reaction of my colleague, spokesperson, and the VP! They must’ve thought in their heads “What a flop!” But, on the contrary, this spokesperson, who later made a revelation of her just being an intern, was unbelievably kind. 

So, as I stormed out of the conference room to the entry gate of the office and then to the fire exit staircase to pacify myself in front of an open window, Nehaar compassionately came running behind me.

And, here's the conversation we had- 

Nehaar- Hey hey hey, do you need anything? I can right away get you warm water! (Out-of-the-blue appearance)

Me- No, that’s okay, I’ll just get some air here and join. (Awkwardly wiping my tears)

Nehaar- Are you sure? Okay, let me just stand beside. (While patting my back)

Me- Sure, you’re very kind.

Nehaar- That’s okay, air will probably help. And, hey I can get you some Strepsils. They’ll be a little mushy though. 

Me- That’s okay. I’ll pop some. Thank you. (Taking me back to the waiting lounge) 

Nehaar- Come, sit at the couch here, I'll send you some warm water first. (She quickly instructed the floor-keeper) 

Me- I’ll prepare myself to pitch, in some minutes. I’m so sorry about all this. (While comforting my throat with warm water)

Nehaar- Hey! We can reschedule this. In our last interaction, my management applaudingly approved of your proposal. Just this one is due. Don’t worry. (She went inside did a quick talk with the VP after which he walked back to his bay, without exhibiting disappointment)

Nehaar- Keep these Strepsils and take good care, Aditi. We will be rescheduling this for the coming week. 

Me- Was he okay? We wasted his precious time. I'm so sorry.

Nehaar- He’s perfectly fine. Just take good care. Do you need anything else?

Me- No, thank you so much! I’ll remember this.

While I took minutes to say each sentence, Nehaar took seconds to hop and offer help. 

She exhibited empathy, practised altruism, and truly served me with an experience that aligns with their company's core values. 

Are you too like Nehaar moving hearts and backing them with encouragement, somewhere, somehow? If yes, share your pattern-breakthrough stories in the comment section below! 

And, if you believe in lovingly giving people transforming experiences through whatever you do, then here’s a book that you should read- Love Is A Killer App by Tim Sanders

#OrganizationalBehaviour #ClientExperiences #CompassionateDisruptions #LoveIsAKillerApp #LinkedInForGood