Looking Out Your Porthole

Right out of college I had the opportunity to perform on a cruise ship. I was a production singer for Carnival on their smallest ship at the time, The Festivale. It was an exciting experience for the 23 year old me. I was on the boat for nine months and knew I was not going to make it a career. While I was on the ship I was asked some pretty goofy questions from some of the passengers.

 

Questions like: “What do you do with the ice sculptures after they’ve melted?” or “What elevation are we at?” or even, “Does the crew sleep on board?” But perhaps none of these questions could be beat by the story I’m about to tell you, a story that can equally be used as a metaphor for leadership.

 

I was welcoming new customers on board the ship at the Gang Way when a passenger, who had already been down to her stateroom, charged toward the Purser’s desk (like the front desk of a hotel) with this complaint: “I saved up for three years to take a cruise with an ocean view cabin. When I got to my room I looked out the porthole and my room has a view of the parking lot!”

 

The Purser, without missing a beat, said, “Ma’am, I can take care of that, because in about three hour’s time I can promise you the most breathtaking view of a sunset over the Caribbean Sea right through that porthole of yours because the ship does move.” Needless to say the woman burst into laughter having realized she forgot to pack her common sense; I say that with humor.

 

This is a great story about leadership. I ask you now, what do you see out your porthole? The people who see a parking lot are those who blame others for the way things are. They say things like, “You can’t trust anyone nowadays.” Or “That’s just Janet, she always shows up late.” They don’t take responsibility in holding people accountable and creating a real vision that associates can hold on to.

 

It’s the Brander-In-Chiefs out there who see the ocean. You see, they’re in communication frequently with their people. They describe some of the destinations they’re going to see if they all walk and talk the same and share the company values that are so important. They allow people to shine at what they’re good at, removing the obstacles that may get in their way.

 

This life is a journey and if you’ve signed up to be the leader, a volunteer position by the way, you must paint the picture of why you’re here. What is your purpose? Answer those questions and when you look out the porthole you’re going to see smooth sailing!

 

Joe Kiedinger

 

ACTION PLAN: Are ready to adopt “Brander-In-Chief” thinking? We can help!