No turkey here: Thinking on your feet

There is a legendary story that floats around this time each year about a remarkable woman who not only salvaged a holiday gathering but is also a shining example of how to think on your feet in business.

This woman, who we will name “Mrs. Smith,” prepared all day for her first holiday feast at her family’s new home. Relatives and friends had been crowding into their house that Thanksgiving Day since late afternoon, enjoying each other’s company, and looking forward to a fabulous holiday feast.

Mrs. Smith had never cooked a holiday dinner for such a large group and without question was quite nervous about the results. Her sister-in-law was her greatest critic and was present for this momentous occasion.

Fortunately, everything in the kitchen was going well, and Mrs. Smith’s confidence began to soar as she neared the dinner hour.

She peered out of the kitchen one last time before calling everyone to have a seat for the feast. The table was set elegantly with every trimming imaginable well placed, and complementing what appeared to be the idyllic holiday setting.

Lights were dimmed, holiday music played softly in the background, and all the relatives were actually getting along. In her mind, this was going to be the perfect holiday!

One last check needed to be made in the kitchen. The turkey was magnificent; a huge bird, golden brown and glimmering with a buttery glaze.

The “supporting cast” of sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, rolls, beans, and cranberry sauce were ready to be presented to the hungry and waiting crew that had assembled that memorable day. It was time. Mrs. Smith proudly emerged from the kitchen to announce that dinner would be served. At once, the collection of relatives and friends assembled at the table.

Moods were upbeat, conversation pleasant, and anticipation for the annual parade of food began to climb. One by one, the items that would complement the main attraction (the turkey) were carefully placed on the table and arranged for easy access.

Like a scene from medieval times, almost as if trumpets were sounding, the group’s attention focused on the grand entrance of Mrs. Smith with her prize turkey.

The door swung open and there she stood. It was a picture of triumph and glory. She had done it!

Despite all the pressure of preparing this holiday feast, she was really going to pull it off. She stood motionless for a moment at the doorway leading into the dining room to enjoy the moment – oohs and awes singing her praises as if in a chorus.

Even her sister-in-law was impressed and joined in the spirit of the moment.

As she took her first steps into the dining room, the unspeakable happened. In slow motion, she tripped on the area rug covering the hardwood floor and watched helplessly as her turkey slipped off the serving platter onto the floor. Bending down on one knee she looked up for a moment and surveyed the faces of those surrounding the table. Looks of disbelief, and a devilish grin from her sister-in-law said it all.

Miraculously and in one swift motion she scooped up the fallen bird, placed it back on the platter and remarked, “Oh what a shame, I guess I’ll have to go back to the kitchen to get the other one.”

I really admire the “Mrs. Smiths” of the world, for several important reasons. Her actions and others like her provide some valuable lessons that can be applied to business success, including:

• Having the ability to think quickly on your feet

• Not to panic or overreact in front of a tough audience

• Having the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances

• Seeing potential disasters as opportunities to “wow” customers

• Understanding that while preparation increases the probability of success, it does not guarantee it

• Knowing you never know when your actions will make you legendary.

Not unlike Mrs. Smith’s response to a tough and unexpected circumstance, how we manage ourselves in challenging business situations can make the difference between being “turkeys” or flying like eagles.

With the upcoming holiday, I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. Special thanks to all the organizations that work hard to attract and retain top employees, to all first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, social workers, and anyone who in their daily lives makes a difference at work, in the community, and at home.