Imagine a world where a big cat, the owner of an international hotel chain spanning six countries, holds immense power. He wields the authority to hire and fire thousands, seal colossal contracts, secure loans from major financial institutions, and make generous contributions to charities. Let’s call him “Ed.” Ed’s name carries weight and respect in his industry, but here’s the intriguing secret: the real mastermind behind this operation is not Ed; it’s his wife, whom we’ll call “Sylvia.”
Leil had the privilege of getting to know Sylvia when she provided consulting services to her husband’s organization. One sunny afternoon, Sylvia invited her for tea. With a charming smile, Sylvia apologized that her maid was on a day off, so they would have to manage on their own. As they settled on the patio, ready to enjoy their tea and crumpets, the phone rang, interrupting their tranquility. Sylvia excused herself to answer it.
From Leil’s spot on the patio, she overheard Sylvia’s end of the conversation. “No, I’m sorry, he’s not in. Shall I tell him who called? . . . No, I don’t know when he is planning on returning, but if you give me your name and . . . No, I said I don’t know what time he’ll be back . . . Yes, I’ll tell him you called.”
Sylvia returned to the patio with a hint of annoyance lingering in her demeanor. Sensing a captivating phone story, Leil couldn’t resist giving her an inquisitive look.
She picked up on Leil’s curiosity and, with candor that surprised her, she said, “That fool thinks he’s going to get a contribution from Ed. Ha!” Sylvia chuckled wryly. Encouraged by her openness, Leil prodded for more details. As it turns out, the caller, a Mr. Creighton, was a fundraiser for a major charity that Ed was considering supporting. Sylvia mentioned that Creighton had called twice in the past two weeks when Ed was absent. “And not once did he greet me, ask how I was, or apologize for the disturbance.” This oversight did not sit well with Mrs. Big Cat.
Was it a major annoyance for Sylvia? Not really, just a minor one. However, for the little cat who called, it meant a significant loss. In the Big Cat household, subtleties mattered. At the dinner table, Sylvia could say to her husband, “A very nice man named Creighton called for you today, dear.” Alternatively, she might remark, “A rather irritating chap named Creighton called for you today.” One comment or the other could translate into millions won or lost for Creighton’s charity, all because he had mildly ruffled Mrs. Big Cat’s feathers.
In life, as in business, courtesies and attentiveness go a long way. Sylvia’s anecdote highlights an essential lesson: whether you’re at home or the office, always show respect and consideration to the people you encounter. In this case, saluting the spouse and saluting the secretary can make a world of difference.
Salute the Spouse
It’s a simple but often overlooked practice: whenever one makes a call to someone’s home, always identify and greet the person who answers the phone. Whether it’s the homeowner or their spouse, acknowledging their presence and extending a courteous greeting can set a positive tone for the conversation. Even if the primary objective is to speak with the homeowner, making a pleasant impression on their spouse can indirectly influence the outcome of the call.
Salute the Secretary
In the world of business, secretaries are often the gatekeepers to high-level executives and decision-makers. These unsung heroes manage schedules, screen calls, and hold significant sway over who gets access to their bosses. If one finds themselves making repeated calls to an office, whether it’s for appointments, proposals, or inquiries, it’s crucial to establish a friendly and respectful relationship with the secretary. Treat them as valuable allies rather than mere gatekeepers, and they’ll find that their opinions and assistance can be invaluable.
The next time one is on the phone, whether it’s in a personal or professional context, remember that everyone has a name, a life, and feelings. Whether it’s a spouse answering the phone at home or a secretary fielding calls at the office, they can wield significant influence. Treat them with the courtesy and respect they deserve, and they’ll be on their way to smoother interactions and potentially more favorable outcomes.