In this post Alan Humphries, one of the SRA leadership consultants writes about how a positive Playing to Win mindset of someone else made what had seemed impossible possible. 

Alan Humphries

Last year to celebrate a particularly “big” birthday I booked my ski-ing holiday of a lifetime and set off with my son to North America. We duly arrived in Denver. However in the melee of recovering hand luggage from the overhead lockers, I was pushed over and all my body weight went onto my left knee. I sat down again believing I would just walk this off going to the terminal.  Not so.

The next morning I sought medical help and on the advice of the hotel receptionist headed over to the clinic. The service was prompt and professional and when we got to the critical question: “Can I ski?” The doctor said: “Sorry sir, you have torn your meniscus and I cannot advise you to ski. In fact as this area is poorly vacillated it will take up to 6 months to heal.”

Imagine how I felt! I hobbled morosely back to the hotel wondering how to re-book the flight home.

But I hadn’t allowed for the upbeat, Playing to Win receptionist! She brightly inquired: “How is the knee?”  “No good” I replied, “torn meniscus.” “Happens all the time” she said “What you need is a leg brace and you’ll be fine!” Instantly she was on the phone to the sports shop confirming they had one.

The brace was fitted, I got on the skis and because of her totally different perspective I had the memorable holiday I had planned. Yo!

Leadership nudge: Every so often leaders need to shape how they see events and bring new and different perspectives for their people.  In this case, changing disaster and no holiday to possibility and a great holiday.

Do you have an example for yourself at work right now? Maybe a set back or disappointment that you could see as an opportunity or a difficulty that might be a great learning experience.

By Alan Humphries

Learn more about the author of this article, Alan Humphries, FED consultant and coach