Sometimes the only appropriate response is to laugh... a good reminder.

It all happened in a split second... like with many things it seems.

An incident happened about three hours into a short road trip with Syd and Big Red. As I was making a lane change, I had to veer back to the safety of my original lane as another car quickly sped by. Everyone was a little startled but there were no injuries or coffee split.

Seconds later there was an onslaught of comments, corrections and instructions regarding how I could improve my driving.

• "What are you doing, trying to get into an accident?"
• "Aren't you using your mirrors?"
• "You are supposed to look over your shoulder before you change lanes?"
• "We could have been in an accident... are you sure you can drive all the way?"
• "You aren't just supposed to use your mirror, but actually look over your shoulder." (There seemed to be some disagreement with this point among my critics)

As my tolerance started to wane and it became apparent neither of them where going to self correct, I just started to laugh, rather loudly I should add.

As they quieted I asked, " So you two are lecturing me because I did everything correctly?"

I went on to say, "There was a car in my blind spot; by using the mirrors and then looking over my shoulder I was able to see the car and turned away before I side swiped it". I ended with, "Didn't I do everything you two were saying I should be doing and avoided an accident?"

Almost in unison they said, "Yes". I laughed some more.

As I look back at this smiling, I am reminded of some lessons I've earned over the years.

1. People generally do not like surprises... constant and predictable is the way they want it. A General Manager once offered me sage insight telling me that leaders do not like surprises; bad news may be hard to deliver, but surprises are disastrous.  
2. There are many people who are waiting for the opportunity to tell you what you are doing wrong. Constructive criticism should be welcomed and encouraged; it serves everyone well - Simple criticism serves only the few.
3. When something happens, it is best to start with the question, "What just happened?" Or some derivative of this, depending on the situation and context.
4. Laughter is a natural "attention grabber". In one form or another, people will ask, "What's so funny?" - And then you can tell them. Granted, depending on the situation and who is asking, it may be a tense conversation.
5. Laughter and doing serious business are not mutually exclusive; in fact laughter may just be the only thing to get you through the difficult times.

As an aside, my ability to drive didn't come up the rest of the road trip.

Keep on laughin'.

gpe

Choosing KAOS over CHAOS... a perspective.

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

Up front, a little context for illustration purposes.

Imagine having the idea to downsize your current living arrangements and move to a much smaller space in the city... all for the experience and the adventure. Let us colour this tale with a short closing, frantic packing, multiple storage sites and refurnishing some of your father's home. Since you are refurnishing, why not spend a couple of weeks bonding with your 85 year old father before you move to the city; while there, you decide to buy 36 acres of land in the country for the future. Ultimately your new place needs to be painted, cleaned, and furnished with what you have stored; add on closing your "new land", new clients, as well as your current ones, you are now redefining "dynamic".

And guess what, your printer doesn't work, you have internet problems, can't find your flatware, the coat you need is at your fathers, you have more clothes than drawers, still need a parking pass, and when you went to tour the new property, you got bit in the neck by a tick. And that pen that was in your pocket ten minutes earlier, is now gone. Complete disorder and confusion - Total CHAOS!

Coming through this "transition" I can say that it has gone according to plan, but two weeks ago I was frustrated, tired, and constantly looking for things that once had a place... I was on the verge of becoming overwhelmed emotionally and was questioning the wisdom of this adventure. And then, cosmic salvation... I was remind of KAOS; in that moment I laughed and knew everything would be just fine.

KAOS, for those of you who may not know, is an "international organization of evil" and the nemesis of the secret spy agency named CONTROL. Depicted on the TV comedy series Get Smart*, KAOS shared in the exploits of the bumbling secret agent Maxwell Smart each week. KAOS, as it turns out, was formed in Bucharest, Romania, in 1904 and for tax reasons, is a "Delaware Corporation". How could you not laugh out loud?

Looking at KAOS, rather than CHAOS, reminded me that I had taken on change, and although I may not be in CONTROL all the time, I did have a plan which was working. More importantly, KAOS was part of the adventure to be enjoyed; taking you to places you don't expect, surprising you and sometimes even making you laugh. It is something to embrace and work through... not let overwhelm.

Make no mistake, it is important to have a plan, established milestones, and support to meet your goals - After that though, it becomes a choice as to whether you want to have fun with KAOS or let CHAOS overwhelm you.

gpe

* Get Smart was an American comedy television series that satirized the secret agent genre. Created by Mel Brooks with Buck Henry, the show starred Don Adams (as Maxwell Smart, Agent 86), Barbara Feldon (as Agent 99), and Edward Platt (as Chief). Henry said they created the show by request of Daniel Melnick, who was a partner, along with Leonard Stern and David Susskind, of the show's production company, Talent Associates, to capitalize on "the two biggest things in the entertainment world today"—James Bond and Inspector Clouseau. Brooks said: "It's an insane combination of James Bond and Mel Brooks comedy." (Wikipedia)

What do you do when an opportunity comes your way?

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

"What do you do when an opportunity comes your way?"  

I would suggest something similar to what a friend of mine is currently doing: recognize the opportunity, GRAB THE OPPORTUNITY, figure out how to work it, and make the most out of it.  

A wonderful leadership opportunity has come his way and as I understand it, it is one of those opportunities that carries "lots of responsibility" and very little recognized authority or role definition - An opportunity for the ambitious, with the runway to "make of it what you will". As we discussed his opportunity I admit becoming a little green with envy, but then remembered I've had my share of opportunities and I was there to cheer him on - So let the cheering begin!

As much as we want to shout, "GRAB IT, GRAB IT", it is important to recognize that the opportunity is in fact "an opportunity". Opportunities need to be based on personal goals, objectives and what you want... one person's opportunity may not necessarily be another's. Along with recognizing what you want, it becomes important to understand what is needed to get there; this will force alignment of what you want with what you are really willing to do  - In doing this, you are defining what is truly an opportunity for you, and what is not.

Now go ahead and shout, "GRAB THE OPPORTUNITY!" If an opportunity comes your way, either offered or discovered, and it brings you closer to what you want... then make it yours. There is no reason not to. 

Richard Branson has been quoted as saying, "If someone offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it later." Here is where my friend finds himself, "Figuring out how to work it"... and I believe he is doing it in the right way.

• Here knows he has the capability of being successful.
• He is taking a champion position with the opportunity and owning it.
• He is open to advice, guidance and constructive feedback, as well as incorporating feedback into his planning and execution.
• He is setting performance targets, measures and putting operating mechanisms in place to ensure he is successful.
• He is engaging his team and functional partners for support.

In the end, you will want to make the most out of your opportunity; not only with showing success, but learning as much as you can, mastering your abilities, moving yourself a little closer to your goals and most importantly keeping up the momentum.

After all, there is that simple truism - Opportunities beget opportunities.

A fairly good job of cheering him on, don't you think?

gpe