At work, we have a simple (if technically incomplete) phrase that sums up how we are to approach every interaction we have with our customers: ”Be The Reason.” It’s intentionally vague, of course; we as employees are meant to extrapolate it of our own accord whenever we get on the phone. We want to “be the reason” our customers love us. We want to “be the reason” they rate our company 10 out of 10 on that survey. We want to “be the reason” our work environment is so great. We want to “be the reason” we get promoted. It’s a really great phrase because it can be made to mean a lot of very positive things… but why not take this concept a step further and apply it to life outside the walls of the call center? Furthermore, why not encourage (or acknowledge) those that are our “reason?”
Today, I challenge you, the reader, with the following: Look at your life and find ways to “be the reason.” ”Be the reason” your spouse or significant other feels loved today. ”Be the reason” your friends feel appreciated. ”Be the reason” a stranger at the grocery store has a great story to tell to their friends and family tonight. Also, think about those that are your “reason.” Maybe you’re like me, and your kids are “the reason” you changed some of your habits and attitudes. Maybe that stranger at the grocery store who told you your hair looked gorgeous today is “the reason” you feel like it was worth the time you put into it. Maybe a compliment from your boss is “the reason” you feel like you want to accomplish more at work today. Focus on those people for whom you want to be a positive “reason” for, and on those who were a positive “reason” for you. And, for the love of all that’s holy, push those negative “reasons” out of your head, dust yourself off from them, and keep on “being the reason” for yourself and for others.
