Making the best of each day

Someone I know spent all day yesterday on a plane when they intended a journey by plane followed by a business meeting and a late flight back. Things did not go according to plan and weather conditions initially did not allow landing at the destination. A decision was made to circle for some time to see if things improved. Refuelling was then required which necessitated a journey to another airport with yet more circling and decision making required.

The result, a day spent on a plane and not with a business client. A waste of a day perhaps but thankfully a new book travelled too and was read in the course of the day. So not a complete waste but not quite what was planned.

A fairly typical day for most people at work perhaps you might say.

There are things that we cannot change - like the weather- but decisions are important as are experiences. The fact that travel to that particular airport in the winter has resulted in diversions on two occasions now informs the future. Decisions we make,we can do something about.

The decisions others make are a different matter apart from pointing out the impact of their decision. Perhaps a decision to land at another airport and allow passengers to make their way by train was a possibility-who knows. Could the passengers have been consulted-now there is a thought. In mid air, airline staff conduct a dialogue with passengers regarding the best outcome.

Organisations and projects can have points at which people can get on or get off. Trains provide that too. Planes are a different matter. Sometimes we just need to sit back and make the best of it if its out of our control. Make the best of the situation. What is the equivalent for you of having a new book to read on a diverted flight? What will you learn from your experience and do differently next time. Is there a way you can get on or get off or are you in for the long haul.