The influence of the powerless. What we can currently learn from Air Berlin

The Bankruptcy of Air Berlin - almost everyone has heard of it. Germany's second-largest airline is bankrupt and will cease air traffic this week.

I found my recent flights to be even more astonishing. Just a few days ago, I was on a flight operated by the bankrupt company. And what I felt above all was: respect. Because the onboard team did not show any signs of the extraordinary situation. The flight attendants were polite, attentive, and friendly. Not at all self-evident, I thought. After all, the professional future is very uncertain for many of them! Motivated despite mismanagement Doesn't that frustrate you? As I exited the plane, I asked a flight attendant: "How do you do it? How do you manage to stand here motivated, even though it's clear: it will soon be over?" Her response was interesting: "As a team, we have been working against the bad decisions of management for years. At some point, you have to realize what you are working for. I do it because I want to be there for our passengers. They have as little to do with the mismanagement as my colleagues and I." Hats off, I can only say. The conversation with the stewardess once again reminded me: in the end, we ourselves determine what we make of everyday life. It is very easy to let oneself be frustrated and demotivated by poor conditions. But it is also possible to focus on the scope of action one has despite frustrating working conditions - and then make the best of it. Utilizing the sphere of influence - no matter how small it may be Stephen Covey, a bestselling author from the 1980s, captured this in a simple model decades ago. He says: most people spend time getting upset about things they cannot change. Successful, content people focus on the area of life they can influence through their own decisions. And they do their best to continuously expand this area and increase their effectiveness. This also applies to my Air Berlin experience. Although the team accompanying me on the plane has no influence on the fate of the failed giant company - they provided me with a pleasant and safe flight! Because that was within their capabilities. Although the team is powerless in the larger structure, they utilized their influence to impress me greatly! Trying the best out of self-respect We can learn from this. No matter how frustrating a situation is, no matter how powerless one may feel - we always have the opportunity to make a difference through our actions. This is impressive. And it pays off in terms of our self-worth and self-respect!