Many of you have probably heard this story. If you're reading anyway I give you permission to skim it. That's right - I will allow you to do that.
I was sitting at my lovely oak-colored desk, starting my morning with a small skim mocha when my new boss walked in the office. Remember it's early. The phone rings and I answer in my pleasant phone voice I cultivated at Eurosport. "Thank you calling ------, how can I help you?" I wrap up the conversation neatly and professionally and turn to my boss who is now sitting in the chair across from me.
-Joy, I just wanted to tell you that you are doing a GREAT job.
-Oh thanks...
-I also wanted to tell you that when you answer the phone, I give you permission to use your name.
I look at him very confused, absolutely certain he's not taking this where I think he's taking it.
-Uuuhhhhm...
-Yes, I have heard that in SOME CASES, people need to know they are EMPOWERED! to do things. And this is it. I am giving you permission to be confident.
OMG. He's definitely saying it. I am mentally scrambling for the appropriate words but he has already launched into a story about how a sad little employee from McDonald's always felt guilty about charging a particular customer 15 cents for a cup of water until he said it was ok to charge him.
-You see, Joy, that McDonald's employee was just not confident in herself until someone told her she could do it.
I could tell my blood pressure was rising. I think I closed my eyes for a few seconds. Thankfully it was far too early to react quickly and I very calmly (in work-Joy mode) told him that I feel extremely comfortable on the phone and don't necessarily feel like I need his permission.
I can tell the words aren't getting through.
-Well good, Joy. I'm so glad we had this conversation. Good work. Good work.
