Whenever I go to theme parks or places where there is a large audience of people, my patience is tested as I weave in and out of traffic trying to get to my destination or get my wife and kids to an area where there are fewer people to bump into.  I’m not anti social (my job requires me to be a people person).  I don’t have a phobia of large crowds.  I just get disappointed by the lack of “drive” in people.  I understand you’re on vacation, but that doesn’t mean that you should disconnect so much from reality that you become oblivious to your surroundings and ruin the experience for others.  You can certainly take your time and walk to the beat of your own drum, but understand that there are others around you.  Be aware of your surroundings.  To walk aimlessly and expect others to watch out for you is no way to live life. 

Nor is it a way to conduct business.

I have worked with (and for) people who have checked out mentally-as if they were on vacation.  They have lost connection with what they do and become that wandering tourist walking slower than the rest of the crowd (often wearing a Hawaiian shirt, chewing on a giant turkey leg).  You have to keep your head on a swivel.  You cannot expect to wander aimlessly in your vocation and expect the people around you to just understand you and be tolerant.  Sure, if you are effective at what you do, you can certainly dictate culture, but when you create an environment that doesn’t breed progress and results-you’ll be knocked into the water by the family on their way to ride It’s a Small world. 

Yes, I’m trying to be cute here, but understand the undertones of what I am writing.  You have got to keep things in perspective.  People count on you…a lot is riding on your ability to perform, lead and evolve.  To “check out” from your job will only create more work for others that results in unrest and a possible mutiny (Arrrr Captain Hook).  You have to be accountable.  Unlike the family from Lincoln Nebraska that stops to read the map in the middle of a busy street at the theme park, you have to be aware of your surroundings and understand that your actions cause a chainlike effect on everyone at the park (and for me to want to run my stroller over your foot). 

But I won’t, because my head stays on a swivel.  I walk with drive and purpose…and with the knowledge that I am part of something bigger than just me.  

See ya real soon!  (ah haha)