Fighting the Defense: Superstorm Sandy
No blog last week—did you notice? I travelled last Sunday to—wait for it—the East Coast! I was determined to make it in ahead of Superstorm Sandy. A big audience was waiting in Virginia. The Annual Conference had been scheduled a year in advance, and I was scheduled for a breakout session and the Opening Keynote on Monday morning!
I felt like the Offense on the football team: I was going that-a-way no matter what! And there WAS resistance! Just as football Offenses have to face the Defense, I had to face all the naysayers all the way through the trip: “Well, Miss, not sure you’re gonna get there today,” “Better check your connection when you get to DC; I don’t think so,” “You’re going where? Really?” Good thing these Defensive people are like many Defenses in the NFL: they cannot tackle! I would straight-arm them all with a smile, and a knowing, “Oh, I’ll get there all right.” And when the connecting flight to Norfolk DID cancel, I RAN through Dulles Airport (something I hate and vowed never to do) to make the last plane to Richmond. “This flight is full,” the airlines agent said, as I slapped my boarding pass on the counter, panting and looking pathetic. I bounced away from her “block” just like a little Running Back, and came at her from a fresh angle. “What a day YOU must be having,” I panted empathetically. It must have been the first time someone gave HER some empathy all day, and she couldn’t stop a small smile. “Yeah, ya think?” she said. I paused. “I know, wow,”—giving her the moment.
“Well, this flight for me is business life or death. 600 people are hearing me speak tomorrow morning– in Hampton. Do you have a standby list?” Then I played the only ace in my hand. “I’m Premier Platinum,” I said, “if that counts for anything.” I didn’t want to appear superior. She looked at me sharply to see if I was playing the entitled little witch from la-la land. Apparently I wasn’t. She said, “Well, I’ll put your name on the top of the list. There are 2 who haven’t checked in yet, so you MAY get on.” I thought, “Oh, I’ll get on,” but I didn’t say it. I just nodded, and collapsed my upper body on her desk, and said, “Oh, thank you, thank you; you are going to be my hero today.” She gave me another very small smile. I remained focused on her for the next 30 minutes, meeting her eyes with empathetic expressions every time she glanced my way. I wished I had one of my football books to give her, but I had sent them all ahead.
If I had been able to give her a book, she would have read the last chapter where I “enrolled” all the nurses on my floor in the hospital to “align” with my goals: the numbers I had to achieve (white blood count, etc) in order to get out of there and get on with my life. And then, she would have realized I did the same thing with her. But that’s what it’s all about. Using strong intention and opportunity (Premier Platinum status), and getting people aligned with your goals. They become your TEAM, and then, you can win the game! I did, and I beat Sandy to Virginia. My getting home wasn’t so inspiring. It’s still too soon. . .pain plus time equals humor . . .stay tuned.