Last Tuesday, I was scheduled to speak in front of a group of 10 people.  Lunch from Freshii was ordered and delivered, I had handouts for 10 people plus more as I was optimistic there would be potentially more, and was ready for that many people to show up.  I was ready, I was prepared, but knowing how the business operated, I should have been ready for the possible outcome that many of the individuals would be on the sales floor, busy with customers, who of course, take priority over an hour to hear me speak and free lunch.

One person showed up.

What I could have done was scrap the talk and just talk to the person one on one, give her a modified presentation, or not give it at all.  I chose to give the same presentation regardless but in a different order. Now, prior to beginning, I had called the manager who had set up the lunch, and her and one of her colleagues showed up to listen.  Out of pity? Maybe, but I would take it.

So there I was, giving the same presentation as I would have given whether it was 10 people, 5 people, 3, or even one person.  Every person in front of you matters. Your message matters. Your message should not be watered down because not everyone showed up.  Give your best for who is in front of you, regardless of the circumstances. Doing your best is all you can ask for.

What I learned… was that you can choose to throw a pity party or you can choose to take ownership and take charge of the situation.  I am grateful for the opportunity and I am grateful for the chance to learn from this experience.