"It is never any good dwelling on goodbyes. It is not the being together that it prolongs, it is the parting."
English Writer
1897 - 1945
Saying goodbye is difficult for some people. They linger, wanting to stay longer in the company of their friends or family. Saying hello is difficult for other people. They are shy and afraid to meet new people. Are there people in your life to whom you have difficulty saying goodbye?
I have said goodbye to thousands of people over the years. I say goodbye to the people who attend my seminars. We know each other for two or three days. We are almost like ships passing in the night. We come together as strangers, share a few stories, laughs and tears before parting often never to see each other again. So I have learned to say goodbye and to keep moving.
I have often said goodbye to my family because I have traveled so much. It is much harder to separate from those you love than strangers you meet in the classroom, on an airplane or in a restaurant. Saying hello to family is easier than saying goodbye.
Saying hello to strangers can be very difficult for me. I was very shy growing up and still am when I am in a room of strangers. If I am speaking, I have no problems approaching people who come into my classroom and greeting them. On an airplane, I have been known to strike up very enlightening conversations. But if I attend a seminar as a participant, I usually don't approach the strangers.
Creative leaders must learn to say hello and goodbye if they are to be successful marketing their art. And in today's world we have to market our products. We have to attend book signings, art fairs, radio talk shows and if we are lucky TV talk shows. We have to be good at saying hello and goodbye.
Marvin Gaye, the singer, had a difficult time performing in public. He often cancelled his concerts because of his anxiety and fear of people. He had difficulty saying hello. How about you? Do you meet people easily or are you filled with fear?
