Scotland Was Ready

One evening on our recent historical tour and holiday in the north-eastern United States, we were a little pushed for time, so we stopped at Domino’s for a takeaway pizza.

As we placed our order and had a wee chat, the young man behind the counter asked for my name.

“Watson,” I replied.

A little while later, I glanced up at the tracker board to see how our order was progressing.

I looked for Watson.

Nothing.

I looked again.

Still nothing.

Then I spotted it.

𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃.

Apparently, somewhere between the counter and the computer, my surname had become an entire country…!

For the next few minutes, I found myself strangely invested in Scotland’s progress as it moved from Placed to Make and finally to Ready.

With Scotland’s first football match only days away at the World Cup, I was delighted to see we were performing well.

Eventually, the call came:

“Scotland!”

And proudly, I stepped forward to collect our pizza on behalf of the nation.

It made me smile, but it also reminded me of something simple.

People like to be known.

A name really does matter.

My experience is simply this – the best leaders make people feel seen, remembered and valued.

Although, to be fair, if someone can’t remember your name, being remembered as an entire country isn’t a bad consolation prize!

Come on Scotland!!!

Question: Who could you help feel seen and valued today?