About two weeks ago, I needed to mail a package at my local post office. Mailing anything should not be a big deal, but today was different. Walking inside the building and automatically getting into line, I noticed that the head of the line was not moving. It didn’t take long to figure out that things were not “right”. To my surprise, the work stations were empty. There were NO postal workers anywhere to be seen.
More people were lining up behind me. The lady behind me commented that she hadn’t heard about any Postal strike. I leaned forward and asked the lady at the head of the line how long they had all been standing there. The nine people said, “about 3-4 minutes”.
This was really weird…
I looked at the empty work stations again, and said to myself, “what would my father do?”
I boldly called out, “Hello!” “Anybody home?” “We’ve been standing here about 5 minutes, anybody back there?”
Out SHOT five postal workers!
Everyone in line began laughing and smiling.
The line moved rapidly from that point on. The lady at the head of the line finished, turned, and grinned broadly at me. As she walked away, she said in a loud voice to me, “isn’t it amazing what happens when you turn into your Father!”
For several years I have taught about the power of using our voices in my safety seminars. This time there was no danger, but action was required. The boldess of my words brought forth immediate action. I was amazed and so was everyone standing in that line for so long.
When I got home…I called my Dad and related my story. It was one of the best conversations we have ever had.
