A Few Words

This morning has been filled with making calls to the states. I’d been having to get some banking things squared away, but have to do those during banking hours in America. Two calls were needed and the second was quite different.

I won’t mention the young lady’s name, but we shared a few common interests. She’s currently in the Financial Services industry and I’d left a decade before. She is working on the banking side of the organization because she’d failed an industry exam. By a couple of points, she failed. She sounded defeated and discouraged and I could hear it in her voice.

I shared a bit about me studying for the Series 7 and the Series 66. I also shared about the industry, a couple more certifications that were open once she passed the exam, and the opportunities that would unfold after passing the test. She sounded intrigued a bit, but also skeptical. As I continued, she sounded more encouraged and hopeful. She ended up sounding enthusiastic about studying and setting a date for the test. I told her, “You are capable. If you weren’t, they would not have hired you in the first place.”

She’s working at one of the finest, most reputable firms in the industry. I’d applied several times and never got an interview. My applications were submitted when I was still in the industry with active licenses in good standing. I let her know that part too. I told her I didn’t know their screening criteria, but it must be rigid cause she got in the door and hired and I was on the outside looking in.

She offered her gratitude for my words and we ended our call. I don’t know if our conversation will make a “positive and lasting” impact, but I hope it will. I don’t know if she’ll pass her exams, but I hope she will. I don’t know if we’ll ever speak again and it doesn’t matter. What matters most is I did my part. I offered a few words. Uplifting, positive, and encouraging words. Those words may fall on deaf ears and she could have been patronizing me and my efforts. Or, those words may be the ones to push her over a hurdle and get her where she needs to go.

Today, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, I am grateful that:

I completed one project. It was a tough bit of formulas, but the spreadsheet is finished.

I got two banking issues resolved. Money is essential for living and without access to mine, well it’s been tough.

Moe and I spoke and my new place will be ready when I’m ready. Yep, found a new place to live, in my budget. It’s back in the city and close to lots of places I’m familiar with.

Do you take time to offer a few words of encouragement?

Do you say what needs to be said?

Are you candid enough to deliver a message even if it’ll hurt someone’s feelings?

Abe,

Be Greater!!!