In the people business its good to talk, so we like to share the odd experience from our daily interactions when doing what we like to call "the Job". I caught a flight to Dublin and the day went something like this;

Woke up happy looking forward to the trip and the client meetings.

Drove to airport and checked in. All very smooth, felt good in my nice suit, sharp tie and well prepared for the day. Attention to detail for me is an important part of professionalism.

In the departure lounge, a rather old, but sharp witted lady asked the business man sitting next to her, where he got his free newspaper? He told her out the door and downstairs! She sighed! I overheard this and put down my breakfast and leaned over and gave her mine. She smiled appreciatively.

I walked down the stairs, got another paper and sat back down. Took about 50 seconds. When I did, you could see all the other suits wishing they had done the same thing,,,But they didn't.. It was easy for me because my attitude was good. I boarded the flight which by now was 30 minutes late due to the air hostess fainting but decided, 'out of my hands so don't get stressed about it'. Good old positive attitude again shining through.

Seated and organised, some guy gets on the plane, pretty much last on and gets annoyed because there is a lack of overhead space to store his bags. So he decides to move my neatly folded suit jacket by squeezing it into a corner of the locker to squeeze his oversized bag into and on top of other people's bags and clothes. I politely ask him to please be careful with my jacket to which he asks if I'd like him to iron it as well!! A few more choice words were passed between us. Clearly, someone decided he was having a bad day and chose to have a bad attitude with it. He then still goes on spouting it says 'luggage', not jackets. I was surprised he could read!

Anyone reading this knows that jackets are pretty standard stuff to be placed in the overheads so what was his point? The difference is, that everyone this troglodyte comes into contact with will most likely think ill of him. So what chance does he have at having a good day? Should we judge him for his actions today? Or was it a one off?

It's all about attitude. Have a good one and you'll have a good day, every day. Even although small bumps in the road might appear, let your attitude deal with them. I made the decision to keep mine intact and had a great day as a result. When it comes to your attitude, keep it positive! :-)

That's what we teach our clients so practicing what we preach works.