Last Saturday (8 May 2010) I took a wrong turn after my medical checkup in Subang Jaya and that led me into a highway.  I was in such a hurry and found that the only way for me to get back on time is to make a U-turn using the flyover and return to where I started.  How glad I was when I found that U-turn, then disaster strikes - The traffic lights were spoilt and there I am stuck in a massive jam.  What’s worst about this is that there were faulty traffic lights are 2 consecutive turning that makes the u turn, and it caused a deadlock between the both ends (none of the cars could move at all!)

I was there stuck in the car, hoping for the traffic police to come soonest possible, looking around to see if there’s a number I could call to report the faulty traffic lights - none.  All the cars around were getting restless, frustrated and I could see many “I give up” faces of frustration in the cars around me, and my heart was beating fast as well in being late for my appointment.  At this point is when I witness what it means to “be the solution”.

In the midst of all the car honking, some luxury cars around, some car even chauffeur driven, and many cars like mine (just another ordinary passanger vehicle), none of us did anything except for the passenger of the “Sisters Crispy Popiah” (thought I should give them some publicity for being so thoughtful) delivery van that finally decided to get out of his van and started directing the traffic.  After a while, a lorry driver followed suit and then followed by another car (not too sure what business was it but definitely commercial since it’s with advertisements all over).  Since there are few junctions of traffic lights that creates deadlock, they each took a junction and started directing traffic there very selflessly until the traffic police finally came.

Thanks to all of them, I made it back in time.  That got me thinking - would I have done the same if I wasn’t driving the car alone?  Would I have gotten out to direct the traffic?  I might have not done it in the past (and I’m sure many wouldn’t either) but that particular experience do motivate me to do it in the future if such scenario arises.

It then got me thinking - why did the 3 of them (especially one from Sisters Crispy Popiah that first came out of the van) do it so willingly without being told?  That’s precisely “being the solution” and “focused on objective” is all about.  They had the initiative to do whatever it takes to get things done.  This is something that may not be thought in school or universities (I’m sure those that stood up and assist traffic were not the most academically educated or richest people around).  There were just very focused on their goals - to deliver on time.  And rather than sitting back, the stood up and made the difference themselves.

In 7 Habits, we call it “focusing on your area of influence instead of concerns”.  They can’t control what the others do or repair the traffic lights, but what they could definitely do is to direct the traffic, and that’s what they did.  Instead of the rest (myself included in this case) who would just be sitting around cursing the government or JKR for the faulty traffic lights.

Furthermore, one good deed is bound to influence the others (expanded circle of influence).  When one started, some other around follows and synergy is achieved (it’s afterall a win for everyone) - Think Win-Win.  That has definitely influence me too think about doing it when I have an opportunity too!  And I’m sure it will continue to influence others around.  A little random act of kindness whenever needed will make the world a better place to live in.

So next time when we’re faced with any challenging situations.  Think - “Be the Solution”!

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Tags: 7 Habits, be the solution, circle of influence, goal focused, initiative, self leadership, win-win

This entry was posted by Clayton J.C Tan on Thursday, May 13th, 2010 at 8:45 am and is filed under Culture, Leadership & Management. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.