A “Puncher’s Chance”
July 15, 2026
The other day, I was walking through my neighborhood supermarket when someone stopped me in the bakery and asked, “Do you work here?”
I said no, but before I could move on, she launched into a list of complaints about the bakery. I listened politely, and when she finished, she simply said, “You tell that to corporate,” and walked away.
It was a funny little moment, but it stuck with me. Sometimes in life, we’re asked to play roles that aren’t technically ours. We may not be the right person, or even the “official” person, but we can still choose to respond with empathy.
Here are three quick lessons I took away from the experience:
- You don’t have to engage if you don’t want to. If you’re not in the right headspace, it’s okay to step away.
- Sometimes people just need to vent. Giving someone 15 seconds of your time may feel small, but it can mean a lot to them.
- Recognize the power of connection. Even small moments of listening can create an unexpected positive impact.
For leaders, this everyday story holds some powerful workplace lessons. Here are three ways to apply it:
- Be approachable, even when it’s not “your job.” Great leaders don’t hide behind titles. They recognize that sometimes the best leadership happens in unplanned, informal moments.
- Listen before fixing. When team members share frustrations, resist the urge to jump in with solutions right away. Often, what they need first is to be heard.
- Model calm responsiveness. If you handle interruptions with grace, you set the tone for your team to do the same, creating a culture of empathy and patience.
When we pause to listen—even when it’s unexpected—we create opportunities for trust, connection, and influence that go far beyond the moment.
