Page 66 of Another Lucky Number

Amber consults her notes. ‘Your ability to keep things in perspective.’

‘Meaning?’

‘In the grand scheme of things, was it that big a deal that you got soaked?’

‘Not really. Though in my defence, those kids were really annoying. And they did itthreetimes.’

‘I told them if you didn’t react, not to soak you again, but if you did, to keep winding you up. They simply responded toyourbehaviour.’

‘Oh.’ This revelation is quite stark and I find myself pondering how often I’ve inflamed situations by having an unnecessary negative emotional reaction.

‘“Oh”, exactly.’ Amber chuckles. ‘And would it really have been the end of the world if we’d had to move resorts?’

I frown, considering this. ‘I guess not. It would have been super disappointing though.’

‘Superdisappointing? Or just disappointing. Thinking about it in comparison to the likes of Lottie’s accident, for example.’

‘I see what you’re getting at. It wasn’t a big deal at all compared to that. Kind of first world problems really.’

‘You see? You’re really getting this. Let’s add “keeping things in perspective” and “dealing with setbacks” to the list.’

‘Sure.’ I purse my lips thoughtfully and sip at my wine. ‘Was thereanythingI did well?’

‘Yes, there was.’ says Amber. ‘Cat, over to you for this one.’

‘There was something you did really well, honey,’ says Cat. ‘How you dealt with the situation with that woman who was upset.’

‘Fiona, right.’ I nod with interest. ‘Amber said that wasn’t set up.’

‘It wasn’t. It was as natural a moment as they come, and you handled it perfectly. You showed such amazing empathy towards that woman: taking the time to listen to her, seeing things from her perspective and offering her the support she needed right then in that moment. And in the process, you built trust and a rapport with her. You also helped her find a way forward. So big thumbs up for that.’

My face spreads into a smile. ‘I did do all that.’

‘You did.’ Amber nods. ‘You have great skills in that area, and you’re a natural relationship builder. The new friends you picked up during your week of living like a millionaire is a perfect example of that. You need to capitalise on that when you’re hit with difficult questions during your presentation. Read the behavioural signals coming from the person who’s asking and tailor your answers towards what you think matters to them. Not in a dishonest way, but in a way that lets them feel heard and respected. It’s much easier to find common ground with someone if you show you care about their point of view rather than jumping into defence mode.’

‘That’s genius – and so true.’ My eyes light up in comprehension. ‘Wow, this is really helpful.’

‘I told you it would be,’ says Amber.

‘I’m sorry I doubted you.’ I reach across the table and put my hand on her arm, and she gives me an uncharacteristically affectionate smile.

‘I get why it was uncomfortable, and in hindsight, maybe I should have briefed you on my approach, but it was worth it, yeah? People pay hundreds of pounds for this kind of developmental support, you know.’

‘I know. Thanks, Amber. So how do I work on my other weak areas?’

‘How do you think you could work on them?’ she asks.

‘I knew you’d throw that question right back at me. I guess… if my issues are with my reactions and keeping things in perspective, I would say… maybe I need to find a way to catch myself in the moment and change course –beforeI have a “hissy fit”.’ I smile at my friends, who seem to enjoy my self-deprecating humour.

‘Bingo. You hit the jackpot.’ Amber gives me an enthusiastic high five.

‘Ooh, what do I win?’

‘A steamy night with your hot man.’

‘Would I not have got that anyway?’ I raise a cheeky eyebrow.

‘Yeah, I just wanted to say it out loud. I’m going to have to order him not to keep you up all night though. You’ve got a long day of prep again tomorrow.’

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