A Seat by the Window

Every leader must be able to look at problems from different points of view. What does that have to do with sitting by the window on an airplane? Read this article by workplace leadership expert, Julie Alexander, and you will find the answer...

Everyone knows that the middle seat on an airplane is the most dreaded. If you can book your ticket far enough in advance and have a choice, most of us will avoid being sardined (Is that a word? Probably not, but it should be…) between two strangers – or even two friends.

Many experienced travelers prefer the aisle – easy in and out, a little extra leg and elbow room – at least on one side. And as long as you can avoid being hit by the drink cart, it’s not a bad choice.

Personally, I prefer the window. Yes, I know. The window seat can feel confining, and the need for a trip to the restroom forces the disturbance of seatmates, but at 35,000 feet, I like having a corner to snuggle into for the purpose of reading or napping.

The greatest benefit of the window seat, however, is the opportunity that it affords to view the world from a different perspective.

I never tire of watching the airport and surrounding environs diminish in size and then fade away as the plane lifts into the clouds and of seeing a different location come into view at the end of the journey.

I like seeing vehicles as matchbox cars, observing rivers as satin ribbons, and seeking out familiar roads, lakes, and landmarks. The variety of scenes never ceases to intrigue.

The desolate beauty of the Arizona desert, the rugged mountains of Colorado, the green and gold farmlands of the Midwest, the deep blue-green water surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, the architectural masterpieces of Chicago, New York, and Paris as seen during the day and the spectacular colors of the cities’ lights at night – each is unique and worthy of observation.

It’s refreshing for us to observe our world – whether from an airplane or on the ground – from a fresh perspective. In the air, we have no control over what’s below, but when we’re on the ground, we have a lot of jurisdiction over ourselves, our circumstances and our surroundings.

Try looking at yourself, your home, your work, your relationships with fresh eyes.

A different perspective can help you see things that you might otherwise miss. It’s interesting, isn’t it, that few people choose the window, and when they do, many ignore the view. They draw the shade as if to shut out what looking might reveal.

Although it may be a bit uncomfortable, try seeing your world from a window seat. Step back and get an overview of your life, your job, your health, your circumstances. When you land after this bird’s eye experience, your arrival will bring you into reality and provide the opportunity to appreciate the things that are positive and work on the things that aren’t.

You can sit by the window of your world anytime, anywhere. Give it a try. But if you’re booking a flight, choose the aisle – and leave the window seat for me.

Copyright 2008, Julie Alexander. Visit Julie's website at www.JulieAlexander.com

Comments

[Dan]

Dan Galorath has invested more than two decades developing solutions to help government and commercial organizations plan and manage complex software, hardware, electronics, and manufacturing projects. His blog gives his opinions and insight into this hi-tech industry.