Airport Observations

Dear Friends,

Over the last several weeks I have spent a number of days traveling from WDC to NYC, Chicago and even Oklahoma City. Airports offer a great opportunity to "people watch" and study behavior. Even private phone conversations are for all to hear. Most people are on the cell and you can hear without purposefully eavesdropping.

Here's my observation: "Everybody's irate about something!" Now, you obviously don't have the context of the conversation, but here's the flavor.

"That's ridiculous. We'll sue over this."
")^)*^))(^%% this. I told you to make this reservation early. I've a middle seat you _)(*(&^(*.
She's a manipulative )(*_)(*_. I don't trust this company at all.

I guess what struck me is what was not heard. "Great job." "This is fantastic!" "I really appreciate what you do! "

Wow! This was an enlightening few days. Here's my challenge to you.

1. Say something positive in every conversation. "Thank you for that feedback. I will use this to make our next project even better."
2. Keep score. Next time you are in a public place and can't help but hear everyone else's cell phone conversation, keep a tally of the positive and negative dialogue. I guarantee it will change your behavior.
3. And finally, if you want to rip someone....don't do it in my space. Get a private place to do it. It's a drag.

Happy Thanksgiving.