photo credit @sammywilliams
The secret handshake or how I got an obstinate pain in the a** to follow the rules.
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I once worked for a bank and part of my job was managing the wire department. Frequent customers could set a verbal passcode with customer service and then call wires in without coming in to the bank. Enter Mr. Bigshot.
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This guy was a notorious pain in the ass. Everyone hated dealing with him. I was told he was a snob, rude and difficult: someone who often threatened to withdraw his accounts. He refused to set a passcode saying it was a waste of his time. The man was universally loathed. But he had a LOT of money in that bank.
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I decided to make a personal visit to Mr. B. People warned me that it wouldn’t be pleasant. But banking requirements can be frustrating and tedious. Plus, bank employees aren’t touchy-feely if people are different or difficult. I was curious to know why the guy was such a problem.
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I went to see Mr. B at 2PM one Thursday. Fifteen minutes later, I’m escorted into the shambles that was his office. Behind the desk, a huge nerdy looking guy rose to greet me. He was both tall and big. Once, maybe two times my size. I like big guys. I’m tiny so I think they automatically feel protective of me and are never intimidated or afraid. Underestimating me is an error on their part.
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I’m not sure what Mr. B expected from this banker who had requested an audience, but I was 100% not it. I gave him my card and then asked him about his unusual business. Surprised, he explained it to me, growing more animated as I asked questions. It was fascinating.
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I told him I’d come to see him because I headed up the bank’s wire department and wanted him to have the VIP service he deserved. He was nonplussed. The man was smart. He knew he was a considered a problem and he was frustrated by the employees of the bank that transacted his business.
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Me: From now you call me, and I’ll send your wires. Use the direct number on my card.
Mr. B: Really?
Me: Yes. But you and I will need to establish a secret handshake, a passcode so I know it’s you.
Mr. B: (excitedly) We had secret handshakes in my fraternity!
Me: Exactly. What’s something you’ll always remember? What your secret handshake passcode?
Mr. B thought for a moment and then actually whispered the word to me. I nodded gravely, wrote it down and asked him to sign the form.
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Then I stood, telling him how much I enjoyed learning about his business. As he reached to open his office door for me, I turned slightly and in a quiet voice asked him to give me the secret handshake passcode. He looked around carefully, leaned down and repeated his secret word to me. With a nod of agreement and a firm handshake, I left. We never had another problem with Mr. B. But whenever he called, he would always whisper his word to me. After all, it was a secret handshake.
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People can be touchy. I know I can be when I feel like someone doesn’t like me. We all feel a little insecure maybe belligerent, angry or upset when no one listens to our plans. Are you thinking about moving onward to something that no one understands? Or are you lost and know you help getting clear on your goals and how to get there? Let’s talk. You can contact me by clicking here Work with me
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