When I challenged one of our Managers, to join me on my weekly run, I did not know that we were about to embark on a journey that would lead to overcoming a personal difficulty of his, as well as and gaining his absolute commitment to my vision.
A few months ago my Manager confided in me that he felt a little bit stressed and tense with his body and that he had experienced some periodic chest pains. He went to the doctor who asserted that his heart is fine; however he had to start taking better care of himself. And yet, he found it difficult to take the first step and begin.
Ever since, I decided to keep an eye on him. One evening I approached him and I asked him if he wanted to join me for a walk after work and do a 3 km route. He looked very surprised that I am offered him to join me, but he agreed.
During our walk, I shared with him my passion for running and how much positive energy it gives to body and mind, especially after a hard day’s work. By sharing this experience with him, as well as how I too overcame my physical and health challenges, I gained his trust and respect, and he also shared his worries and concerns with me.
The most rewarding part was that a week later he came by my office and kindly asked if he could invite me for a 3 km walk with him. This time I was taken by surprise. He told me that he had started taking his health issues very seriously by walking often and dieting.
During this 2 months period I noticed that he became more productive and more committed to work. He became more communicative with me and more persistent in doing the right thing and following my directions.
Now we are running weekly and we have put a target to run on a 10 km Marathon. This after-work activity became contagious within the Rooms Division department and other team members have started to join our walks and runs.
When I told my story to my GM, he told me, “Sotirios, it is not about work what you have done with him; it is about human care, it’s about life.”
