Happy Monday 2025-05: Attention to Detail


Which skills do you need to win customers over?
What can a colour reveal about yourself?
How much time do you need to support a friend in need?

Curious?
Keep reading...

For your eyes

If you think your clients come up with the weirdest requests, watch Toast's "One of Those Nights" ad.

Managing the unexpected at work requires empathy, agility, and attention to detail. These soft skills allow you to deliver outstanding customer experiences, regardless of the industry.

video preview

For your mind

The essence of the Toast ad (above) is reflected in this quote from Steven Bartlett:

"Good work is the culmination of hundreds of tiny details."

For your ears

I don't meditate regularly, but the "colour-infused audio meditation" title intrigued me, so I tried it. And I'm glad I did.

When I visualised red, a piece of clothing I lost to a candle flame years ago popped up. Digging into what it represented, who I was and how I felt whilst wearing it, made me understand that some objects (and colours) can carry more significance than we realise.

This meditation is a good way to switch off at the end of the work day. Try it for yourself.

A Color-Infused Meditation with Dora Kamau (Duration 8:49)


Do you have 8 minutes?

"When someone is struggling or in need, all they need is eight minutes," says Simon Sinek in this podcast episode on how to be a friend​.

True friends are rare. They're always there for you, and you value them so much, you're always happy to support them whenever they need it. That's why it's crucial to nurture those bonds and create safe spaces for each other.

A study during COVID-19 found that brief, regular phone calls significantly reduced feelings of depression, loneliness, and anxiety among 240 adults.

So, what is considered a brief call?
The suggested duration is just eight minutes.

Psychotherapist Claudia Glaser-Mussen explains:

"Eight minutes is a short period of time, but deep enough that all the bonding hormones start to hit."

It's long enough to connect and short enough to fit into a busy day. The time constraint sets clear expectations and helps both parties prioritise the conversation.

Here's how to put it into practice: Schedule three 8-minute calls this week to let people know you're there for them.

Send a simple message like "Do you have 8 minutes to catch up this week?" and schedule that call. At the end of 8 minutes, respect their time and wrap up the conversation. If you both agree, you can schedule another call later.

I'll do the same. Wanna exchange thoughts afterwards?

Happy Monday, Reader

Merve G.


Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3DF
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Spark Zone • by Merve Goulding

I write about systems, productivity, and Notion to inspire solo business owners, creatives, and consultants.

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