Failing Plans: Chill Away or Burn Away?

For those of you who know, I’m a creative type, but also a detailed planner and logistical thinker.  I have the pleasure of producing many a recording session here in the Greater Nashville area with amazing talent, engineers and studios.  And, as much as I plan and as much as I know those I work with are quite diligent to make sure these sessions go off without a hitch, well, sometimes the unforeseen occurs.  After all, we can do our best, but we can’t control heavy traffic that may make us late, family/personal illness that keeps you from “performing” at your utmost, or problems with gear (recording equipment) that either makes a session start late or calls for a cancellation.

You hopefully plan out certain events and such at your particular employment location or home situation, but the inevitable road blocks, even if only a “speed bump” in the road, will come.  So, here’s your choice:  Will you find composure to best lead those within your reach to make it through it all, or will you choose to complain and “ruffle feathers” that does nothing but burn bridges and causes other to not want to work with you again?

Very recently, I experienced a situation whereas I could have given the client a tough time for how an event began to transpire.  But, with quick thinking and consideration on my part, I methodically began to consider all the needed steps to rectify the situation.  I even had a backup plan in motion within moments.  Thankfully, though it will cost me some additional budgetary funds and the client had to spend some unforeseen additional funds to repair the problem on his end, bridges weren’t burned, we kept our cool, the job was completed, and all went home knowing they had given their best that day and much was accomplished.

“Your attitude can make a problem bigger or it can make a problem smaller – your attitude is your choice.  Choose well!” ~Steve Keating

My encouragement to you is this, when you’re faced with a situation that wasn’t part of your plan, it may be time to amend the plan or create a new one.  Allow these moments to challenge and build you, not weigh and wear you down.  These are wonderful growth periods.  I prefer to build bridges rather than burn them.  Breathe, smile, think — these three steps could save many a headache and frustration.