The new volunteer was very nervous.
Who would be at the other end of the line?
What kind of call would he get?
Would he be able to handle it properly?
What if he froze?
He was worried that he would forget the training and let down our caller.
Our #Samaritans training is very extensive, with many skills practices and role plays covering a range of different scenarios to embed the training.
He did really well during the training, and yet – he felt butterflies.
I reminded him of two things:
1. We are there to listen, and not to solve problems.
Most of our callers call because they are going through a rough time in their lives, and need someone to talk to.
Our job is to hold a safe space for them to talk about their thoughts and feelings, which is very often all that is needed.
2. We are not there to judge.
The human condition is so diverse that it is incredibly unlikely that he would be speaking to someone who thinks and feels exactly like him. It is more likely that they hold opinions that is quite different.
And finally – to remember that
He is there to be alongside the caller.
He is there to listen.
He took a deep breath and put the headset on.
He needn’t have worried.
One of the calls was very intense.
In fact, it was the kind of call that the training prepares new volunteers for.
I was listening to his side of the conversation, and was incredibly proud of how he handled the whole thing.
He had stopped thinking about himself and instead he focused on the caller.
And saved a life. 🌹
Listening is not about you, it’s about the other person.
If you can remember that, you too, may save a life.