SELF-CONFIDENCE - a Game Changer

SELF-CONFIDENCE - a Game Changer

You glow. What a wonderful, sincere compliment to pay to an employee especially if it is to person who has only been on the job for two months. The words are of even of greater significance when it is delivered to a person who has several reasons to see herself as a failure. How could such a transformation (from self-conscious to self confident) take place?

This change agent is found in my novel, Baggage burdens. Mary, Jill’s employer, is both a model and her personal trainer. Her strategy begins with a warm welcome, warmer than even that of Jill’s grandmother. Modeling interest in Jill and respect for Jill, Mary creates an atmosphere of acceptance, critical for a self-confident atmosphere. Her on-the-spot coaching sets Jill up for success. Her training enables Jill to create a family-like atmosphere for the customers who frequent Mary’s bakery. The customer’s appreciation of Jill’s efforts strengthens her self-image, enabling Jill to become creative in her service. On a personal level Mary demonstrates a deep trust in Jill. Result is a committed, happy, energetic, glowing person.

A cheerful voice reaches out from the bakery entrance. Mary Prezchuck calls out again. 

“You Jill Rezlay?”

Mary’s heavy waving arm and smiling face draw a smile from Jill. The large round lady fills the doorway. Her short brown hair closely hugs the contours of her head.

“Yes, I am.” Jill starts to approach her advancing host.

Mary steps past Jill’s outstretched hand and hugs Jill.

 “Welcome to Camrose.”

Jill helps Mary box early morning orders. While the shop isn’t opened for sit-down customers until nine, the early morning patrons pick up goodies for their fellow employees’ coffee breaks. Mary tells Jill about each customer a few minutes before they arrive for their preordered morning treats. Then she entertains Jill with stories about the couriers, their business or some mishap in which they had been involved.

Mary’s mini biographies establish her as a social encyclopedia. Her information comes complete with cautions––what can be said in public and what Jill has to keep to herself. Over the next two weeks, patrons express surprise at how soon Jill begins calling them by name. 

“Well, Joseph said he loved the way you work.” Mary sees Jill’s smile diminish. “You take a lot of orders and without a moment’s hesitation you can tell anyone about the progress on their order. He said you’re amazing. You move effortlessly like you have energy to spare, like you’re inviting someone else to place another order.”

Eventually Ed asked the question that brought him up to talk to Jill. “You sure you want to move way out to the country? You know there’s hardly anyone out there to talk to.” In response to Jill’s quick assurance that she had Joseph to talk to, Ed added, “I only question your decision because when I watch you in the bakery you seem so happy. You glow. It’s such a beautiful sight. You must really love Joseph.”

        haiku capsule:

                   

building confidence     

modeling warm acceptance

create a vibrant glow

Next blog:   

 Most Wonderful Wife