Wow! The last two days kept bringing traveling confusion.
❓Have you ever had days where you weren’t sure if you should stay the course or make a u-turn and go in a completely different direction?
Yesterday was one of the most memorable speeches of my life at Texas Tech University. Sunday after hours of delays, I was working on ways to get to Lubbock and my options continue to narrow.
It was very clear my fellow passengers and I were not in control of much. Several passengers started loudly demanding information from the gate agents. Turns out that is not the way to endear yourself or get a pilot and crew who have timed out to fly a plane.
I bought some snacks, talked to customer service, and went to work in a corner on my computer.
Bonus: I spoke with Red Raider Football star Jacob Rodriguez!
Fortunately, I was rebooked in the last seat of the last plane. After several delays, I arrived at the hotel 1 am. Woo hoo!
Flying later was a much better solution than my other two options: drive the five hours or hire someone to drive me.
I spoke the next morning and for lunch. Appropriately, our luncheon topic was “Positivity Negotiating the Change You Didn’t Want.”
Speaking for leaders in the President’s Leadership Initiative and the alumni luncheon that followed was a full circle moment in time. It was an opportunity to let them know what their leadership meant to our family.
Later, I worked in the same conference room where I had interviewed and been chosen to lead the Student Foundation, now the Student Alumni Board.
The TSA agent before my last flight said, “I see three flights you’re booked on today. Which is it?”
My answer? “It doesn’t matter. I’m happy I made it here. Please help me get back home. More importantly, thank you for showing up to work today.”
Negotiating Circumstances Outside Your Control
