On Mission or Off Task

Is there a fine line between teaching a lesson and walking away from unnecessary conflict? One of the most pervasive character flaws in Southern California society has to be selfishness. Consider its common forms of cutting in line at amusement parks, cutting off people on the freeways, saving 10 seats at the movies for friends who arrive 20 minutes late to the theater, etc. Altogether we are afflicted by crimes of selfishness and are likely guilty from time-to-time ourselves.

The other day a full-size truck was tailgating a Saturn sedan of some sort. The driver of the truck tired of tailgating and gunned it around the Saturn. The truck probably got up to about 50 or 60 miles-an-hour in a 45-mph zone before being stopped by a red light. Guess who caught up to him at the light? Mr. Saturn. So the frustrated truck owner, who probably is upset about something unrelated to traffic, looks over at the Saturn driver. Mr. Saturn motions an applause with his hands in mocking praise of the impatient truck driver. The Truck driver begins to roll his window down, cursing Mr. Saturn. Mr. Saturn in turn motions with his hand again to suggest, “You’re all talk Mr. Truck man.” So here’s the finale. Mr. Truck, probably well into his 40s, points out of his window to a place up ahead where he’d be glad to pull over and discuss the accusation made by Mr. Saturn. Mr. Saturn declined and the two parted ways on a beautiful afternoon in Rancho Cucamonga.

When is the time and what is the place for making people aware of their selfishness and inconsiderate antics? See, I’m pretty clear on my general mission on the planet. It’s got something to do with removing pretense from my life and the lives of others. It’s also connected, I think, to remaining humble and showing others how to acknowledge both their depraved nature and the need for something bigger than themselves. Mission always dictates the kind of action we take on our teams, at work or in our families. Mr. Truck didn’t want to hear anything Mr. Saturn had to say but was Mr. Saturn off task or on mission? When you are swept into the heated exchanges or even violent encounters, are you on mission or off task. I’m not convinced that every battle is worth fighting but if you examine your mission, you’re bound for a revelation that could alter everything you’ve ever believed about human relationships. Stay on mission.