When the Rubber Meets the Road

It’s Christmas Eve Day. I look forward to this day all year. For over 15 years I have reserved this day for two activities: 1)shopping and 2) observing human nature.

There’s nothing like going to the busiest mall or downtown to shop on this day. The traffic is gridlock and the energy is frantic. Here in California, the weather isn’t quite as severe as in other locales, but still, the winter chill is usually in the air adding to the holiday cheer.

What I find fascinating about today is the spirit of things. People are out buying gifts for those they love. Everyone has been sending cards promoting peace on earth and goodwill toward men AND Today the Rubber Meets the Road.

Horns will be blaring, parking spaces will be fought over, lines will be long, tempers short, frustration frothing, anxiety peaking – and in the midst of all of this are thousands of people mostly wrapped up in their own worlds and agendas.

Saturday, I was in line at Macy’s buying a pair of pink fluffy slippers (not for you Lani). I was third in a short line. The two women at the head of the line were mother and adult daughter. Between me and them was a woman with a coat to purchase and her 10–year old girl and a 12–year old boy doing what children that age do in such situations – being bored and fidgeting.

The mother and daughter were trying to split payment on the items the sales clerk had rung up – with separate checks. It turned into a 15 minute circus. Mother and daughter were like Laurel & Hardy. The sales clerk a cross between Buster Keaton and Jack Benny.

The other mother and kids started moving and making noises like caged animals while I settled in for the show.

I do love it all. Today will be full of many such instances and there will also be extraordinary acts of kindness and consideration in the mix.

It helps me to reflect on my behavior and actions when the rubber meets the road. Do I walk the talk?

I put a lot of promises on the web and our site about me and our team (most recently this). When the rubber meets the road, what will our clients experience?

That is what today and most days are all about for me.

I am wishing each of you – the best of you.