My wife and I had a few minutes while waiting for my daughter to come out from soccer practice. We looked at each other and said let’s call Fernando. He’s a very good friend of ours who we had not spoken to in a while. So we called, and he answered on the first ring. It was great to speak with him, and we laughed, reminisced, and picked up right where we left off. He’s an incredible friend. I said to him “You answered on the first ring, that’s awesome!” He said, “Well, I saw it was you, and I picked up right away.” We chatted for a bit then said our goodbyes. As always I was left impressed by Fernando.
Two days later, we had a snow day here in the Northeast. I was on the elliptical in the middle of the day, and my college roommate and one of my closest friends Kevin Spainhour called. Kevin is a Principal in North Carolina and a great father and leader. I grabbed it immediately. He commented right away “first ring and you picked up!” I said “of course you’re my boy.” We spent a few minutes on the phone chatting and sharing.
After we hung up I reflected on both of those experiences. Two of my closest friends, one across the country in California and the other in North Carolina, each picking up on the first ring. Fernando for me, and me for Kevin. It’s got me thinking about the times we live in now. Between text messaging and instant messaging, there are much fewer verbal conversations happening these days. Good friends pick up for one another immediately on the first ring. I thought this was telling, and it says a lot about our relationships together. These are good guys and lifelong friends. When we each saw each other‘s name light up our phones, we picked up immediately. That’s what friends are for right? We’re there to listen, to be a sounding board, to lean on, share with and grow. I was happy to talk with Kevin, and so pleased that Fernando picked up the phone.
Be there for your friends, colleagues, and more. We are coming out of the pandemic and there are bright times coming ahead of us. Continue to be that beacon of hope for others by picking up the phone, responding to texts, emails, etc. Communication is of the utmost importance and is one of the best skills of great leaders. I was happy to connect with those two good friends in those moments. Cheers fellas! #1stRing
