Changing the Conversation

A few weeks back, I attended a conference called Innovate.  It was a good event with thoughtful conversation and deeper insights to what we in travel are faced with these days.  I went into the conference with the same ideas that I left the conference with, the conversation(s) needs to change.

Supplier conversations need to be more strategic and instead of looking back, look ahead.  What are they doing that we can support?  What do we need and how can they can support that?  What are the goals of each company and even, each person in the room?  

Discussions with leadership need to change from "What have I done for you lately?," to "What am I doing for you today?"  Your job is to make sure there are no surprises that come from your wheel house.  Leadership should know that you are looking to the future to anticipate what is happening so you can guide the ship around any rough waters. 

Discussions with travelers need to change, or if they are not happening, they need to start.  I know, as well as most, that our travelers make my paycheck happen.  What can do to make their jobs, while on the road, easier and more effective.  How can their valid pain points become areas of opportunity for our suppliers. 

No one wants to be a number, (ASP, ADR, CPM)  we want to be people with thoughts, ideas and suggestions.  When we stop looking at travel as a transaction, but as as an experience and in instance that we can shape, we can take this conversation to the next level. Keep talking, keep going! 

What I Learned This Week

This post is later than normal because life has been anything but normal.  My Mom was found in her apartment on Saturday night by one of my brothers and since then, life has been a little off.  First of all, she is on the mend and getting stronger everyday.  Second, I took a few lessons from this week that I want to share.

1 - Family is family and that's awesome.  Being the youngest of seven, I know my place.  Mine is to listen, take in all the info, communicate and clarify as needed and share my views and ideas.  There isn't one person in our family that makes the final decisions.  We all have a say and we all get the same opportunity to share our thoughts.

2 - I am a LOT like my Mom.  She is serious when it's time, she is funny when it's needed and she is tough as nails.  Side by side with my Dad, they raised seven kids so all of those characteristics needed to be a part of her life on a daily basis. 

3 - The world is different for those over 75 and sometimes, some people don't get that.  Mom had one of us kids with her when she needed to answer all the questions and even though she is smart as whip, there were times she didn't understand the question.  I worry about those who don't have someone with them in these situations.  I worry about the answers given to a question they might not fully understand. 

4 - Life is worth it!  Sure, my Mom didn't want to spend 4 days in ICU and certainly doesn't want the next week or two in the hospital, but life is worth it.

5 - Anyone involved in the medical field needs a pat on the back!  No matter if you are doctor, nurse, CNA, lab tech, cleaning person in the hospital...it's not an easy job.  You are dealing with people with all ranges of abilities and emotions.  You deal with family members with even more abilities and emotions.  You do it in stride and most of the time, with a smile on your face.  When you go home at the end of the day, you must be exhausted!  Not just from the work, but just from being in that "stuff" all day.  So, I applaud you and thank you!  Not everyone can do what you do!

I hope people are learning something everyday, because I sure am.  It might not always be things that are worthwhile, but I thought these were for sure.  So, I'm gonna go call Mom to see how she is and keep learning and keep going.  

How can walking through an airport save a life?

I used to walk through a busy airport or crowded hotel lobby with haste and wishing everyone would just get out of my way.  In the past year or so, my walk through the airport or hotel lobby has changed.  Heck, my walk through the local grocery store has changed.  Why, because I am aware of a sad and sickening problem we are all living with, human trafficking. 

People are being moved in cars, trains, hotels and stores.  People are being bought and sold for enslavement, sex and exploitation.  Children, teens and young adults are being taken from their families under the guise of a better life only to become a statistic.  These victims are directed what to say and to whom they can engage in conversation.  Their actions and words are controlled. 

Have you seen them?   Maybe it was the teenage girl on the plane last week who couldn’t look anyone in the eye and was blindly following the young man in front of her.  Maybe it was the 20 year old male who wasn’t allowed to go into the bathroom in the hotel lobby by himself.  Maybe it was the 8 year old boy who was in the car, by himself, at the grocery store who looked deep in your eyes and that made your stomach turn. 

How would you know?  You can never REALLY know because its more than a gut feeling.  But without paying attention, you will certainly never know. 

What should you do?  Report it!  Talk to airport security, talk to hotel manager on duty, stop and ask the boy if he is okay or call the police so they can make sure he is okay.  Even if in the end, its not an issue, if it was your child, your niece, your friend, wouldn’t you want someone to at least try? 

My call to action today is to everyone, whether you live in Olga ND or Shanghai China, pay attention.  Look at what’s happening around you.  As a traveler or even broader, as a citizen of this universe, we are called to take action to protect each other.  Don’t be in such a hurry to live your own life that you don’t help to save the one next to you.  Be diligent and keep going! 

It's a seat....

How many times are you asked to changes seats so someone can sit together?  On an hour and forty minute flight last week, I was asked this three times and yes, all on the same flight!!!  First, let me remind people (or possibly tell people who don’t know me) that I am 6’2”.  I am very selective about my seats.  I very much enjoy exit row aisles and at times, on the right plane, bulkhead.  Keep in mind, that I have earned the status to select these seats as well.   Lastly, the only time you will see me “opt” for the window is when I am travelling with my husband who is at least 4 inches taller than me and enjoys the aisle as well. 

So, to be asked three times to give up my exit row seat, seems like a huge ask.  First reason, the girlfriend wanted to sit by the boyfriend.  Declined.  Second reason, the woman next the requester had a dog and they were looking for anyone to change seats.  Declined, however, I did feel for this guy because I have allergies as well and that’s a pain!  Third request, the guy just had knee surgery and would appreciate the extra space.  (Hello…its emergency exit…I don’t want someone with a brace in those seats!)  Declined. 

Trust, there are situations in which I will trade seats, but it would have to be pretty compelling.  I wonder how much of this is caused by the airlines not giving out seats readily and people are having to deal with all this “stuff” at the airport or worse, while on the plane.  Either way, I like my seat, that’s why I chose it!  So, while happily sitting in my exit row aisle, I will keep going!