For a ten year span in my career, I traveled by plane just about every week.  During that period, I employed a strategy designed to maximize my time OUTSIDE the airports.  Sometimes, that meant walking a (very!) thin line between making and missing my designated flight.

Last week, I was scheduled to fly from Washington Dulles Airport to Savannah, GA on United Airlines.  Unfortunately, I relapsed into my old habits and didn’t allow enough cushion to properly navigate the security line.  Would I make the flight?

Once through, I sprinted down the corridor and hustled toward my gate.  But the airport was unusually crowded that evening and it felt like going up the down escalator.  I only had minutes to spare.

As I barreled toward my final destination, I heard the announcement for the final boarding call.  It was going to be close.  I was in a full lather as I breathlessly approached the counter.  But the look on the gate agent’s face said it all: no dice!

The door out to the tarmac was closed and the small, commuter plane was loaded up.    This was the last flight of the night.  My meeting was in the morning.  It was over.

But just as the dread washed over me, an angel appeared.  Mr. Ayo Ayala, a burly gate assistant, launched into action.

“I know the security line was extra long tonight, Mr. Clark.  I got your back!”

With that, Ayo burst through the door and darted across the tarmac.  The plane was actually in motion and the “marshaler” was fully engaged with his earmuffs and two orange batons.  Are you serious?

Ayo addressed the ground crew and then motioned to the pilot.  After a few animated gestures, he looked over to me and enthusiastically waved me over.  The plane stopped.  The steps slowly lowered.  And light shot out from the cockpit like the promise of a new day.

Ayo Ayala had performed a miracle!

And couldn’t we all stand to exude that same type of action and dedication in our own lives?

It’s All About the Effort

In our work lives, it’s not all about us.  We have to go that extra mile for those we serve.  Do we battle to remove all barriers for our customers?  Do we treat our clients like they are family?  Do we always have the backs of our students or the best interests of our players?  We can’t just go through the motions.

In order to truly dedicate ourselves to a cause, we have to truly care.  Extra effort and genuine concern build lasting  relationships and loyalty.  And once you establish that trust, anything is possible.

Step Up in Times of Chaos

And the same is true in our personal lives.   We are measured by how we react in times of crisis and chaos.  Is there anything you wouldn’t do to help a struggling child?  Is there anything you wouldn’t do to take care of an ailing parent?  Is there anything you wouldn’t do to defend a friend in serious trouble?

We need to step up in these times of upheaval and show we care.  That is when our loved ones need us the most.  It’s all about taking action.  It’s all about taking risks.  It’s all about stepping out of our comfort zone to do the right thing.

Even if it means running down the tarmac to stop a moving plane!

Resilience is Contagious 

Dedication and personal sacrifice in the face of danger breeds resilience.  Just knowing someone has our back gives us strength.  Just seeing someone go above and beyond gives us hope.  Just being in the presence of extraordinary effort has a cascading positive impact on everyone around us.

No one wants to feel alone in their darkest moments.  A strong show of support and effort can be the difference between giving up and pressing forward.

Resilience does not always come from within. Sometimes, we need inspiration from the outside.  Sometimes, we just need to know that someone cares.

What Are We Willing to Do?

Ayo Ayala thought nothing of his Herculean effort to get me on the plane.  He was just doing his job.  But that extra bit of exertion made all the difference in my life.  I made my meeting.  I was inspired to help others.  I stayed resilient.

And so it is with all of us.  Our actions matter.  Our attitude matters.  Our effort matters.  We have the ability to positively influence so many others.  We just have to stay positive and keep grinding.

Ayo Ayala stopped a moving plane on the tarmac to help out a customer.  What are we willing to do for the important people in our own lives?

Until next week, keep smiling!