After boarding my flight back to Canada from the CSI Annual Conference in Minneapolis, the seat next to me was still vacant, but the aisle seat was taken. A man who had just boarded the plane asked the person in the aisle seat if he could move to sit beside his wife across the aisle. I was surprised when the individual remained silent and didn’t budge. I immediately thought, “Well, that’s not very kind,” and held onto that judgement during the flight. However, upon reaching border services and walking alongside this person through the long halls, I politely initiated a conversation. To my surprise, he quickly opened up to me, a total stranger, and I began to learn his story.
I found out he hadn’t flown in 20 years, never travelled alone, and had booked a solo trip to explore the Rocky Mountains, meeting a tour group at the airport. He knew no one, and the prospect of being with strangers and not having American cash worried him. My initial judgment was unfounded. By asking questions and listening, I realized he had mustered the courage to go on a solo trip to a foreign country, despite feeling uncomfortable and uncertain.
This experience taught me about the repercussions of hasty judgment. Extensive literature and studies highlight the negative outcomes associated with quick judgments, with a particular focus on missed opportunities, a fact that caught my attention during my research on this topic.
When we remain curious and open-minded, avoiding judgment, and being attentive listeners, it can perhaps lead to discovering mentors, collaborators, new techniques or skills, and untapped potential. Take time to listen to someone’s story.
I was able to overturn a moment of hasty judgment, providing comfort to someone in need. Additionally, I shared a whole lot of information about the Rocky Mountains, making him feel much more comfortable.
When we go to the construction site, office, or a meeting, adopting an open approach, asking questions, and actively listening proves more beneficial. It’s essential not to overlook opportunities that may be right in front of us.
Yours in service. I am CSC.
