VIEWPOINT

A QUESTION OF FOCUS

IT’S EASY TO BECOME DISTRACTED, BUT IT’S BETTER TO GET RESULTS.

JIM THOMAS
Editorial Director

ARECENT TRIP HOME from the annual AAO meeting reminded me of the importance of maintaining focus. With this issue of OM dedicated to vision, the timing couldn’t be better, if there is ever a right time for a bad travel experience, that is. The scenario was this: While waiting at the gate for my flight — the last flight on Friday evening — the gate agent announced the flight would be delayed for at least an hour.

A LONGER DELAY?

The announcement drew the expected chorus of groans. But it was nothing compared with the passengers’ response to the next announcement, which came around midnight: the flight was canceled. There were no seats on any direct flights available until Sunday, and there were no hotel rooms available in the vicinity of the airport.

At this point, most passengers split into one of two groups: those who lined up in front of the agent to complain and announce their credentials (“I’m a platinum, gold, sapphire, diamond flyer. You can’t do this to me!”) and those who focused on the goal of getting to their destinations as soon as possible. The focused group called the airline directly to arrange new flights, while many in the first group hurled insults and told the agent the options she provided were unacceptable.

From my observations, it was easy to react by blaming the airline and making demands. It might even be justified. But that’s not the tactic that got the earliest flights. The focused passengers were leaving the gate with new reservations confirmed, as the mob of angry passengers continued to argue with the agent.

BRING IT BACK INTO FOCUS

As we approach the holidays, it’s easy to become distracted when flights are delayed, meals are burned, the “wrong” gifts are exchanged, and that certain family member creates a scene prompting emotions to run high. The best of intentions can be sabotaged by a moment of distraction, especially during the holidays. So, although it lacks the poetry of a Hallmark card, let me wish that you maintain focus at this special time of year. OM