By Liz Kentish.
Sometimes you learn something without realising that there is something to be learned.
This something had to be pointed out to me even as it was happening.
Before I tell you what it is, I must explain that I have been accused or commended (depending on whichever way it was being demonstrated) by people of this before.
I even asked my mother a while ago if I had this particular personality trait, and if so which side of the family I inherited it from. ‘Of course you do, and from your father’s side,’ she replied stubbornly, without a hint of irony.
Of course I’m talking about stubbornness! Going back to the start of my story, we were driving to the airport for a well deserved holiday, and en-route at a major roundabout, a big sign said, A14 closed, follow diversions. Ignoring this, and my husband’s protestations, I firmly believed this was nonsense and continued driving along the A14. Fifteen miles later I had to turn around and go back to the big roundabout and follow the diversion!
My stubbornness had cost us an extra 30 miles, put us behind schedule and muttered ‘I told you so’s’ from my husband.
In the departure lounge, it was explained to me that stubbornness can be both negative and positive. On the bright side, it appears that my stubbornness comes in very handy in our business. Because it becomes determination to see things through to the end, no matter what, to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.
I just hope there are no diversion signs on the way home!
This article originally appeared in the January edition of Tomorrow’s FM.