During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the actions of an employee, Rich Schmidt, and the perceived lack of empathy he showed towards a customer, Tracy McDade, whose mother faced potential foreclosure. The meeting revealed a complex situation where Schmidt had issued a $2,500 check to McDade, intended to alleviate her mother's financial distress. However, concerns were raised about the timing and manner of this action, suggesting it was more self-serving than genuinely empathetic.

Participants in the meeting emphasized that Schmidt's failure to consult with upper management prior to issuing the check contributed to the family's predicament. McDade's situation was exacerbated by the fact that the payment made by Schmidt increased her mother's monthly mortgage obligations significantly, making it difficult for her to keep up with payments. Critics argued that Schmidt should have demonstrated empathy not only towards McDade but also towards the broader implications of his actions on the department and the family involved.

The discussion highlighted a disconnect between Schmidt's financial assistance and the emotional support expected in customer service roles. Suggestions for improving the situation included better communication and consultation with management before taking unilateral actions that could have long-term consequences for customers. The meeting concluded with a call for more thoughtful engagement with clients to prevent similar issues in the future.