ANXIOUS AND EXCITED FOR THE PERSONAL TOUCH

ANXIOUS AND EXCITED FOR THE PERSONAL TOUCH

As lockdowns ease and vaccines get distributed, opportunities for face-to-face meetings return. WHO’S READY?

By ASHLEY GRAVANO, MORTGAGE WOMEN MAGAZINE, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Each morning we wake up. We wash our face, we brush our teeth, after that we all have different routines. Some work out, some watch the news.

For me, my first cup of coffee is like my start button. Monday through Sunday, I never miss that first cup. If I did, I guarantee you it would be catastrophic.

But that first cup of coffee is about more than getting a jolt of caffeine. It’s about getting a morning jolt of clarity. It’s the time I set aside to reflect, think about my day, make my to-do lists and remind myself that what I put in today will make a difference tomorrow.

So here I am, having my first cup. I’m thinking about getting back on the road. I can’t wait to get that mug of coffee at the cafe near a client’s office, or even the dreadful airport coffee! Things we never thought we would miss are now wearing down on us.

FACING REALITY

What does that look like for you, your company, your colleagues? We are all at a different comfort level with being back out in the world. My time on the road is so important. Clients, friends, even prospects: Being face-to-face is how we as humans interact best. Zoom is great, don’t get me wrong, but the Zoom fatigue is real and most of us have hit that wall.

I was speaking to a good friend in the industry last week, and her thoughts are the same as mine. She’s counting the days to being back in front of people. On the other hand, a co-worker isn’t ready. We will all get back to things at our own pace, and as my CEO says, we need to give a little grace to everyone as they figure out where their comfort point is.

After having a few conversations about being back in person here are a few things to remember:

It is ok to feel nervous. If you are not comfortable being back in person, (granted there are exceptions to this) be open and honest with your peers and leadership so they understand and can help you find a solution.

Be mindful. Don’t judge. Not everyone has the same beliefs or comfort level as you. Be respectful. Simply follow those golden rules.

Lastly, have fun! It will be the biggest reunion since the Backstreet Boys. Get ready to stock up on all of those hotel bottles of shampoo again … or am I the only one who does that?

Ashley Gravano is vice president of product solutions at Mortgage Cadence.