I don’t know about you, but to me, Professionalism isn’t about shaking your fist at the Gods, stomping your feet, yelling or whining about how unfair life is. Professionalism isn’t tested when you are surrounded by rainbows and unicorns. Today’s Tuesday Thought is considering whether the focus should be on SNAFU or Professionalism.
I took this photo on May 15th, heading into Anchorage. The cabin is sunken and frozen in the River.
“Things are never so bad they can’t be made worse.” ~From the movie The African Queen
But, what happens when life becomes, in a blink of an eye, a SNAFU? Yes, Situation Normal All F**ked Up. SNAFU. It happens to all of us at some point. It happens to the best of us. It happens when all those pretty unicorns become creatures directly from Hell and the rainbows suddenly become ugly twisters heading right towards you. It happens no matter what you do to make sure it never happens.
SNAFU or Professionalism
You call yourself a Professional. You plan, adjust, prepare and execute. Get all those little duckies in nice neat lines and groups, and deal with the inevitable last minute adjustments and changes.
“Sometimes in tragedy we find our life’s purpose – the eye sheds a tear to find its focus.” ~Robert Brault
So! I shared with you our news of being selected to take part in a new television series in Monday Motivation: The Comfort Zone. Trepidations, worries and the excitement of what it all could mean to each of us as well as the entire Pioneer Outfitters Team and Crew.
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” ~Duke Ellington
We had made all the arrangements, beat the closing-in Alaska weather, and were ready to face this new challenge with open minds and excitement. Then the call came. The filming had been postponed. No idea when the definite date to begin filming would be announced.
SNAFU or Professionalism
Now, in my own experiences (and I am sure in many of your own), this had become, in the span of one phone call a complete and total SNAFU. Even as I was listening to the Production Manager explaining and apologizing on the phone, these thoughts were running through my mind. Listening to the voice on the line, listening to the tone and repetition consisting of more apologies, reassurances and what I interpreted as pleading for the same (reassurances), a thought struck me.
Situation Normal All F**ked Up. SNAFU.
“Shit happens, gang. It’s done. Now, what do we do next?” Basically, that is all you can do. Fix it? Sure, if it is possible, that would be the next step. A scheduling problem? Well, that may put a hitch in your stride, but really? Reschedule. Shit happens. We had given our word to be part of this project. We weren’t going to allow the first bump in the road to throw the proverbial monkey-wrench in the works.
“I had a lover’s quarrel with the world.” ~Robert Frost, The Lesson for Today, 1942
After understanding all of this in the moments I spent listening on the phone, I realized that there was another issue that I was dealing with. A Professional that was not accustomed to dealing with Professionals.
SNAFU or Professionalism
What we have here is an opportunity to communicate. We had a choice. We could, as it seemed to be expected, throw a hissy-fit, cuss and make accusations of who’s fault this or that was, rant about the effort and time we had already invested, away from our own priorities and finally, go back on our word, as things got a little loose and squirrelly and quit.
“When life gives you lemons, please, just don’t squirt them in other people’s eyes.” ~J. Andrew Helt
Or, we could Walk our Talk. Be prepared. Be more. Be human. Be Professional. As a Leader to the Alaska Guide Trainees that are part of our lives, this situation presented a perfect opportunity to lead by example. Be Professional. Be a Leader.
SNAFU or Professionalism
When things go terribly wrong in your own personal world or circle, do you check yourself and the situation, to ponder if there could be any positive side to the SNAFU? Do you loose your “cool” or explode like an over inflated balloon, scattering pieces everywhere and leaving ragged slices in what remains? How long does it take for you to gather yourself back together? How long does it take to repair the damage that comes from not only the SNAFU, but your reaction to it? Do you consider the impressions left by the reactions that are simply a frustrated indulgence?
“I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.” ~Mother Teresa
As time passes and I find myself growing in ways that I had never considered, I often think first, about what others feel and see in me and my own actions. How people, everywhere, tend to follow when they do not consciously set out to Lead. Who would I want to follow? Who do you want to follow?
Something to ponder, for us all.
Yes, I missed Monday Motivation! LOL, So today’s post became Tuesday’s Thought. I hope you enjoyed it… or at least that it gave you something to think about. If you would like to see what Monday Motivation is all about, please feel free to check it out! And hey! Don’t be shy, let’s chat. You are safe with us. We are Professionals! LOL 
Have a WONDERFUL day.
“You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” ~Walt Disney
