This afternoon, I hosted a roomful of financial professionals for a webinar. Where we all face forward, listening to a voice through speakers sitting in some other state and looking at a screen with a powerpoint presentation. And it was really great. Great content and a great group of professionals I respect.
Then it happened. The webcast audio just went out. Then the video. What now? Well, I didn’t have any jokes prepared and no one wanted to watch Elmo in Grouchland (left over from Bailey’s visit to daddy’s office a week or so ago), so we all chatted, ate some cookies, then confirmed that the webinar was out because the presenter’s internet went out. A little more chatting, then everyone headed out, back to their offices.
So what do you do when things don’t go right?
I’m strung a little tight so I have been known to let my frustration level get a bit high. (See yesterday’s post on my leather chair.) My wife can tell you the story about how I walked out of Panera because they were out of bagels. Also walked out of Baker’s Square once because they refused to serve the pies in the case (instead were holding them for the holiday the next day).
But, anyway, today I was fine with it all. Disappointed, yes. But not over the top frustrated. I had my perspective today. My goal wasn’t to present a flawless webinar, but to get a chance to learn and collaborate with great professionals who care about the clients as much as I do. Some I have known for months, some for years. And today was just one more step in a journey I am taking with them to serve clients together.
Tomorrow I may walk out of another restaurant. But today, I am at peace.