Arriving at San Diego International Airport, I decided to use Uber for the first time. Why not have my “Private Driver” and add to the Adventure? The promise of “transportation in minutes” sounded great.
Using the Uber app’s fare estimator, I plugged in Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa. Sure enough, Uber saved me cash, too. I set my pickup location and submitted my request.
Within moments a text confirmed my driver would pick me up in 3 minutes. Then, confirmation by text arrived from my Uber Driver. Success.
A car pulled up, we made eye contact, and the driver got out, “Steve?” she asked with a warm smile.
“Doris?” We were already on a first name basis.
Luggage stowed, Doris asked, “Would you like to sit in the back or the front?”
“I’d prefer to sit up front if that’s okay with you.”
As we took off, I began to interview my new friend. “I’m from Germany. I’ve lived here in the states for 20 years,” she began.
“How did you decide to become a Uber driver?”
“I’m helping my two sons with college. I want them to have an education and to succeed in life.” Her German accent was delightful. “So, I’m a Uber driver for extra income.” And with that she began her interview questions, “What do you do?”
“I’m an executive coach; I develop self-managed teams and leaders. I help people change behavior.”
“How do you do that?”
“Well, I help people understand the “why” behind their behavior. When we know why we do what we do, it makes it easier to change what we do … to show up differently.”
With a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face, she said, “That makes so much sense to me.”
The entire 25-minute drive was an engaging conversation. Arriving at the hotel, I asked, “Doris, can you pick me up on Wednesday?”
“Sure, we can do that. There’s a way, just text me the night before.” And with that my mind was at ease, and travel arrangements to the airport were confirmed.
What happens when YOU show up?
As a reader of this blog, you know I value the Story each and every one of us has. I believe truth — facts and reality: feedback, experience, success, and failure come through the Story.
Paying attention to the Story is the secret to growth and future success. Yes, I believe: The Best Predictor of Future Success is the ability & willingness to learn & change achieved through consistent reflection on the truth in the Story.
Here are five realities of the Story:
- Everyone has a Story — yes, everyone you will interact with today
- Every day you add to your Story — some days are simple, some bring life-changing events and decisions
- There’s always more to the Story — remembering this will help you challenge assumptions, slow down that jumping to conclusions, and the passing of judgment
- Today, you will influence someone’s Story — you already have and will; that phone call, during the meeting, in the hall, over lunch
- You are responsible to writing your Story — have you given your pen away? Does a voice from the past hold you back? What does success mean to you? It’s your Story.
What Happened When DORIS Showed up…
Doris showed up early Wednesday afternoon. As I walked to the car, suitcase and briefcase in tow, she greeted me with a “bear hug.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t ask permission.”
“It’s okay, how are you?”
Heading to the airport, Doris informed me, “We’re not doing Uber today, this ride is on me.”
“Doris, you don’t have to do that,” I protested.
“No, I want to.”
Doris began telling me her Story, explaining how our conversation Sunday had influenced her life. The significance of her gift increased as I learned it was her day off. Amazing, right?
In my briefcase, was a copy of The People Project I saved to give her. Here we are at the San Diego airport, my text message to her and her response.
Showing Up in a few questions (Post in the comments for best effect):
- What message do you hear from this Story?
- How are you showing up in the Story?
- What difference do you want to make in the world, today?
Here’s to your influence,
Steve