Flexibility is Key

I am writing this on a train. I was supposed to be home 2 days ago. My husband and I had just spent a short (but lovely!) vacation in Key West, FL. Our flight back into Newark Liberty was scheduled for Tuesday, June 27th. If you've been following the news you know that tons of flights were cancelled due to bad weather. We rebooked for the earliest flight home - out of Miami today. We woke up to a text informing us that had been cancelled, too. Rather than waiting around for the next available flight (Saturday? Sunday?) I remembered the best piece of travel advice I've ever been given: trains go when planes don't. We booked 2 tickets on Amtrak. 45 minutes later, we were showered, dressed, re-packed and on our way to the train station. 

Why am I sharing this story? 

Flexibility is key. We could have been waiting for days in Key West for a flight. I know there are worse places to be stuck (Chicago in a blizzard, anyone?) but hotel rooms in KW are expensive and not all our work can be done remotely. Instead of grousing about appointments that had to be rescheduled and vacation days burned (husband's), we decided to have an adventure. Two extra days in the Keys allowed us to eat at restaurants we hadn't been to in a while. We had a great drive up to Miami. Now we're spending 26 hours on a train, watching the east coast of the US go by. 

When we approach unexpected or difficult situations with a flexible mindset, we'll find it easier to resolve them. It's when we think there's only one solution or that our solution is the only one that we have problems, It's easier to communicate (and with less stress!) when we keep an open mind. 

Being flexible lets you adapt your communication style and approach based on the needs and preferences of the people you work with or do business with. Being flexible allows you to meet others where they are and this can give you an edge.

Conflicts and disagreements happen. Whether in a selling situation, serving customers, or getting along with coworkers, flexibility gives you a better way. When you open yourself to different perspectives, listen actively, and adapt your communication style, you'll navigate conflicts more effectively and find mutually beneficial solutions.

Think of communication as an opportunity for an unexpected adventure. One that will give you less stress, more harmony and more of your objectives achieved.  

BTW, it's a 26 hour trip from Miami to Newark Penn Station in NJ. I'll still be home earlier than if I had waited for a flight. Flexibility = Objective Achieved.