I like to read the travel stories and often post mine on the blog hopping that they will bring humor and insights. Travel generally forces one into a situation that requires a cool head and quick thinking, and, on occasion, plenty of room on your credit card. John McDonnell, chief operating officer of the Patrón Spirits Company of Las Vegas, recently took a trip that went bad.
 


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I can always tell what part of the world I’m in by its drivers. Growing up in Boston, I figured I could handle any type of problem the gods of driving threw at me. I met my match in Singapore, a place known for its law-abiding citizens.

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The taxi ride, like many projects and situations in life, went horribly wrong. And as you will read in the article, John's reactions were, well, just how we should react when projects and situations in life go horribly wrong.

• When the schedule started to fall behind, John quickly found an alternative that would get him on track and to the airport on time.
• He let the new solution run it's course, not second guessing his decision, until it was clear he would not make his primary objective.
• When he realized his driver could not get him where he needed to be, John took matters in his own hands. He rolled up his sleeves and got dirty.
• Once he found a suitable replacement driver, he changed cabs. John stopped trying to do it himself and let a more qualified individual take over.
• In the end, Johns problems were solved because of a a bit of good luck. Luck created by an error on his part. But, he admitted his error. A sign of good leadership.
• He shared his story with others, that we may laugh and learn. 

Thanks John!