An interesting thing occurred at my job recently. It all began over two weeks ago, when I called a service manager to question a pay code on a timecard while processing payroll (I’m a Payroll Specialist). What should have been a simple, brief conversation resulted in an eruption. He blew up at me. He ranted loudly, on and on. I put him on speaker, to allow for witnesses, then put him on hold and intentionally left him that way, to let him cool down and sit with it. I let my manager know and was advised it would be addressed with him.
Subsequently, it’s as if nothing had happened, and we moved forward on a positive note. He is noticeably polite and even cheerful. His effort is obvious.
Fast forward a couple of weeks to a quarterly awards luncheon. The general manager spoke about performance and handed out awards to employees before passing the mic to the service manager. Unexpectedly, he began by stating that - before announcing awards to his team - he wanted to share a recent conversation he’d had with a coworker. He admitted he’d handled his end of the conversation inappropriately and he was not proud of his conduct. He proceeded to publicly apologize to me for being inconsiderate and disrespectful.
I was shocked. I responded by walking over to him and gave him a hug (how could I not?). He was not expecting my response. Both of us were surprised.
This is what accountability and owning one’s actions looks and sounds like.
In a bigger picture and on a broader level, this incident had me thinking about some recent shifts that I’ve noticed and how I react.
As a Democrat, I come from a large family of Democrats, most of my friends are Democrats, but there are a few other – hidden in the layers of my circle - that are from the red side of the fence. I have noticed the color of their support has changed from orange, based on their expressed positions. It is subtle but they have quietly made it known that they no longer support “him,” knowing that I know very well whom the “him” is. One person in my close circle actually took it further and expressed a heartfelt apology. Forgiveness was granted.
In spite of their failure to diligently READ, THINK, and VOTE - at a time that was critical - I do hold space for those who discover the ability to open their eyes, to make informed opinions.
Although much damage has been done, and the cloud of the dark reality show is thick, I realize that I can rise, give grace, and keep the door open to ease the divide.
Have any of you noticed any shifts in people you know?
Can we be open to bridging the gap as people wake up?
Can we give grace?
I believe we can. I believe we can in a manner that acknowledges the words of Nancy Pelosi: “Diversity is our strength, Unity is our Power.”
Kindest regards,
Cindi