Comments on: Good flight attendent gone bad? http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/ Chief Morale Officer Kirk Weisler's Thought 4 the Day Wed, 23 May 2012 01:23:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2 By: AW http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36945 AW Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:57:48 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36945 I feel Stephen Slater has gotten a bad rap. I'm not saying what he did is a fabulous idea, but sometimes it's too easy for us to say, "I'd NEVER do that if I were in his shoes!" None of us have walked in his shoes, know the whole story, or have an idea of what his job/family life did to his emotions and psyche. We can pridefully sit back and think we're better than him for not having gone out in a supposed "blaze of glory", but all that action does is paint how much humility we are in need of ourselves. Bottom line: we ALL have a breaking point. God help us if everyone is as cold to us as some of the public has been to Stephen Slater. I feel Stephen Slater has gotten a bad rap. I’m not saying what he did is a fabulous idea, but sometimes it’s too easy for us to say, “I’d NEVER do that if I were in his shoes!” None of us have walked in his shoes, know the whole story, or have an idea of what his job/family life did to his emotions and psyche. We can pridefully sit back and think we’re better than him for not having gone out in a supposed “blaze of glory”, but all that action does is paint how much humility we are in need of ourselves.

Bottom line: we ALL have a breaking point. God help us if everyone is as cold to us as some of the public has been to Stephen Slater.

]]> By: kirkweisler http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36220 kirkweisler Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:36:43 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36220 Kirk, Pressure, adversity, and frustration are what shape a person. It’s easy to get by when things are easy; it’s when we face life’s challenges that we are forced to stretch and grow and mature. I recently heard John Robinson speak, a man with essentially no arms and no legs. He said that there are no challenges, only opportunities. What are we going to do with those events and moments that give us a chance to shine, to set ourselves apart from the rest? I find out starting today. After receiving my 10 year anniversary reward last week, I was told today that my position is no longer needed. I am looking forward to see what comes next. We all seek to have mountaintop experiences, but things only grow in the valley. Thank you, Kirk, you have been a blessing to me over the years. Your humble servant, Paul Hypki Kirk,
Pressure, adversity, and frustration are what shape a person. It’s easy to get by when things are easy; it’s when we face life’s challenges that we are forced to stretch and grow and mature. I recently heard John Robinson speak, a man with essentially no arms and no legs. He said that there are no challenges, only opportunities. What are we going to do with those events and moments that give us a chance to shine, to set ourselves apart from the rest?
I find out starting today. After receiving my 10 year anniversary reward last week, I was told today that my position is no longer needed. I am looking forward to see what comes next.
We all seek to have mountaintop experiences, but things only grow in the valley.

Thank you, Kirk, you have been a blessing to me over the years.

Your humble servant,

Paul Hypki

]]> By: kirkweisler http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36212 kirkweisler Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:46:21 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36212 I agree with you, this just revealed who he really IS not what should ever be done. The power of most people is in their ability to exercise self-control when confronted with the disgruntled customer, I’d be out of business if I snapped every time I’m bashed. This praising he is receiving in the media and Facebook is embarrassing and simply a way for the frustrated employees to justify their own thinking, wishes, and carnal desires to stick it to the man, but most of those feelings should never see the light of day...now they have and he’s most likely going to jail – deservedly so! jason I agree with you, this just revealed who he really IS not what should ever be done. The power of most people is in their ability to exercise self-control when confronted with the disgruntled customer, I’d be out of business if I snapped every time I’m bashed. This praising he is receiving in the media and Facebook is embarrassing and simply a way for the frustrated employees to justify their own thinking, wishes, and carnal desires to stick it to the man, but most of those feelings should never see the light of day…now they have and he’s most likely going to jail – deservedly so!

jason

]]> By: kirkweisler http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36211 kirkweisler Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:41:44 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36211 Tough question and my response is not the popular vote. As a professional in my job, and in my volunteer work, I have an obligation to behave accordingly. I have bad days all the time and it is incumbent upon me to make sure I don’t take out my frustrations on others. As a manager, the bar is set higher, whether it’s right or not. I am expected to be neutral, calm, and be able to negotiate my way out of tough situations. I can’t lose it in my work place. I have had to build in mechanisms for venting – a co-worker, go for a walk, close my office door, whatever, call in sick. This is not the first time Mr. Slater has faced people who get out of their seats too soon. It’s likely not the first time that someone has cursed him. Two things in my mind could have happened – Mr. Slater was just plain tired and cranky and lost it (inappropriately). My instinct (based on the info out there) is that he was reacting more to the assault on his sexuality – enough already with the negative “faggot” references. We live in a society where gay marriages are acceptable in many places and who you sleep with is no one’s business. As a gay person, I’m sure he was just plain fed up with that passenger’s ignorance. Regardless of the reasons, his reaction was over the top and not acceptable. He has received over 100,000 notes of support on facebook (as of this morning) and on the surface, you want to applaud the underdog. But if everyone reacted that way to rude, ignorant behaviour, then you’re right – might as well give someone a loaded gun and let them go “postal”. We are way too quick to jump to violence or anger – Mr. Slater should have found some other way of coping with the bad passenger, or his bad job, or whatever else might have been bothering him. ~ N Tough question and my response is not the popular vote. As a professional in my job, and in my volunteer work, I have an obligation to behave accordingly. I have bad days all the time and it is incumbent upon me to make sure I don’t take out my frustrations on others.
As a manager, the bar is set higher, whether it’s right or not. I am expected to be neutral, calm, and be able to negotiate my way out of tough situations. I can’t lose it in my work place. I have had to build in mechanisms for venting – a co-worker, go for a walk, close my office door, whatever, call in sick.
This is not the first time Mr. Slater has faced people who get out of their seats too soon. It’s likely not the first time that someone has cursed him. Two things in my mind could have happened – Mr. Slater was just plain tired and cranky and lost it (inappropriately). My instinct (based on the info out there) is that he was reacting more to the assault on his sexuality – enough already with the negative “faggot” references. We live in a society where gay marriages are acceptable in many places and who you sleep with is no one’s business. As a gay person, I’m sure he was just plain fed up with that passenger’s ignorance.
Regardless of the reasons, his reaction was over the top and not acceptable. He has received over 100,000 notes of support on facebook (as of this morning) and on the surface, you want to applaud the underdog. But if everyone reacted that way to rude, ignorant behaviour, then you’re right – might as well give someone a loaded gun and let them go “postal”. We are way too quick to jump to violence or anger – Mr. Slater should have found some other way of coping with the bad passenger, or his bad job, or whatever else might have been bothering him.
~ N

]]> By: Joanna Webb http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36169 Joanna Webb Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:37:02 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36169 Lorraine says: "I recently flew and observed that there was a great deal of hostility among my fellow passengers…people who are increasingly frustrated over delays and escalating costs associated with air travel." Why is that??? Almost everyone I know dreads going to the airport, posts negative comments on their Facebook page about their terrible flight experience or their dread of being in the airport. I don't get it! Hello, you are flying above and around the earth for a mere donation! I don't love flying, but try my best not to attract the bad situations, and not surprisingly, I rarely have problems. When I do, it's no big deal because I have resolved to go with flow and understand that flying helps me reach my goals. When so many people are trying to go somewhere at one time, there's bound to be problems. Why does the general public hold such godly expectations of the airline industry, yet at the same time treat the employees with such contempt? Simply, I think a lot of people like to find things to whine about, and flying and airport experiences somehow helps them accomplish their daily quota of whining. To address the questions posed by Kirk; Mr. Slator might be in a better place today if he'd counted to 10, but maybe he's the fall guy for improving employee relations, or better yet, improving the general publics attitude about flying, which would make it a better place to work for airline attendants:) Lorraine says: “I recently flew and observed that there was a great deal of hostility among my fellow passengers…people who are increasingly frustrated over delays and escalating costs associated with air travel.” Why is that??? Almost everyone I know dreads going to the airport, posts negative comments on their Facebook page about their terrible flight experience or their dread of being in the airport.

I don’t get it! Hello, you are flying above and around the earth for a mere donation!

I don’t love flying, but try my best not to attract the bad situations, and not surprisingly, I rarely have problems. When I do, it’s no big deal because I have resolved to go with flow and understand that flying helps me reach my goals.

When so many people are trying to go somewhere at one time, there’s bound to be problems. Why does the general public hold such godly expectations of the airline industry, yet at the same time treat the employees with such contempt?

Simply, I think a lot of people like to find things to whine about, and flying and airport experiences somehow helps them accomplish their daily quota of whining.

To address the questions posed by Kirk; Mr. Slator might be in a better place today if he’d counted to 10, but maybe he’s the fall guy for improving employee relations, or better yet, improving the general publics attitude about flying, which would make it a better place to work for airline attendants:)

]]> By: Lorraine Reep http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36156 Lorraine Reep Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:22:19 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36156 I recently flew and observed that there was a great deal of hostility among my fellow passengers...people who are increasingly frustrated over delays and escalating costs associated with air travel. Add the "right" incident to that mix and there is potential for a confrontation. I have to admit that when I first heard about the incident, I was most sympathetic to the flight attendant because of my recent experience with rude passengers. However it truly is first and foremost the flight attendant's job to insure a safe environment for all passengers. Perhaps the real issue goes much deeper. Of course, I don't know the details about Mr. Slater's situation, so these are general remarks, not directed toward him. With so many people in debt over their heads, with poor or absent emotional support systems, and employers who often are looking for an excuse to lay off employees, it is no wonder that people often report to their jobs stressed to their limits rather than taking time off. However, I agree with Kirk...it is when we are placed under pressure that a person is revealed. Our willingness to treat others as we desire to be treated separates us as human. Let's endeavor to regard other people with a willingness to forgive so that our culture reflects the best in each of us. I recently flew and observed that there was a great deal of hostility among my fellow passengers…people who are increasingly frustrated over delays and escalating costs associated with air travel. Add the “right” incident to that mix and there is potential for a confrontation. I have to admit that when I first heard about the incident, I was most sympathetic to the flight attendant because of my recent experience with rude passengers. However it truly is first and foremost the flight attendant’s job to insure a safe environment for all passengers.
Perhaps the real issue goes much deeper.

Of course, I don’t know the details about Mr. Slater’s situation, so these are general remarks, not directed toward him. With so many people in debt over their heads, with poor or absent emotional support systems, and employers who often are looking for an excuse to lay off employees, it is no wonder that people often report to their jobs stressed to their limits rather than taking time off. However, I agree with Kirk…it is when we are placed under pressure that a person is revealed.

Our willingness to treat others as we desire to be treated separates us as human. Let’s endeavor to regard other people with a willingness to forgive so that our culture reflects the best in each of us.

]]> By: MIchael Donovan http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36153 MIchael Donovan Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:12:44 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36153 I'm amazed at the comments. While I certainly don't think his behavior is considered appropriate by any means, can't one just have had enough?? We all have had days where we wanted to do the exact same thing. We chose not to, this gentleman did and he will now pay the price (legal fees, jail time, finding a new job, etc). I think this is refreshing to me, to know that there are other people out there that have days like this. We aren't all perfect and we all have had an episode on the job. Whether or not it was on this scale or not isn't really the point. The point is we have all had a meltdown or two. Unfortunately, he did his on the big stage. Now, on a more comedic level, tell me you found no humor in grabbing a beer and exiting via the chute? I’m amazed at the comments. While I certainly don’t think his behavior is considered appropriate by any means, can’t one just have had enough?? We all have had days where we wanted to do the exact same thing. We chose not to, this gentleman did and he will now pay the price (legal fees, jail time, finding a new job, etc). I think this is refreshing to me, to know that there are other people out there that have days like this. We aren’t all perfect and we all have had an episode on the job. Whether or not it was on this scale or not isn’t really the point. The point is we have all had a meltdown or two. Unfortunately, he did his on the big stage.
Now, on a more comedic level, tell me you found no humor in grabbing a beer and exiting via the chute?

]]> By: kirkweisler http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36152 kirkweisler Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:05:42 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36152 Kirk, There is an old rock song quote: “It’s better to burn out, than to fade away.” I know people get fed up with the day to day stress that comes from constantly dealing with rude customers. It can be therapeutic to see someone else take that plunge, and do exactly what a lot of people may want to do, but for some reason have not quite made it that far. There had to be a lot of temporary satisfaction from the event for this man, but even if he stays out of jail, the legal fees and damage to his employment record are going to be substantial. Was this one moment worth the frustrations he will face in the future in trying to find a new job? I’d bet on that answer being No as more time passes from the event. Roger Kirk,

There is an old rock song quote: “It’s better to burn out, than to fade away.”

I know people get fed up with the day to day stress that comes from constantly dealing with rude customers. It can be therapeutic to see someone else take that plunge, and do exactly what a lot of people may want to do, but for some reason have not quite made it that far.

There had to be a lot of temporary satisfaction from the event for this man, but even if he stays out of jail, the legal fees and damage to his employment record are going to be substantial. Was this one moment worth the frustrations he will face in the future in trying to find a new job?

I’d bet on that answer being No as more time passes from the event.

Roger

]]> By: kirkweisler http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36151 kirkweisler Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:04:05 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36151 Kirk I agree that bad behavior is not justified. As Jim Rohn said: “It is the set of the sails for the winds of adversity blow on us all.” As we remain focused on long-term goals we will be faced with challenges each and every day. It’s how we handle these challenges that make all the difference in the world. Do we allow our emotions to overpower reason and logic or do we take a deep breath, keep any negative, biased, derogatory thoughts to our self and wait for the other party to see that we’re not going to put up a fight for it takes two to tango. After all it’s been said that challenges build character. A positive understand smile can be far more powerful than raising a fist. Our world continues to grow towards 7 billion people as we approach a new time frame in the calendar of the Universe predicted thousands of years ago by people who understood more of the world we live than many do today. The age of enlightenment where millions are growing spiritually to an appreciation of the diversity of others. That we are all one, sharing this amazing blue green planet with millions of other living species. If this is true the reality of bad behavior is if I yell at you I am yelling at myself. If I take from you, I am stealing from myself. However the inverse is why so many volunteer for good causes for the more I give, the more I receive. Behaving badly to others creates my own reality of living in a negative world instead of creating a positive world through focused good behavior honoring other spirits around me. Even if I disagree with their actions, beliefs, or any other variation of a theme. Good behavior is lifting people up. Helping the little lady across the street is a wonderful feeling. Try it sometime – like soon! Here's to your health, wealth and happiness! Bo Tomlyn Kirk

I agree that bad behavior is not justified. As Jim Rohn said: “It is the set of the sails for the winds of adversity blow on us all.”
As we remain focused on long-term goals we will be faced with challenges each and every day. It’s how we handle these challenges that make all the difference in the world. Do we allow our emotions to overpower reason and logic or do we take a deep breath, keep any negative, biased, derogatory thoughts to our self and wait for the other party to see that we’re not going to put up a fight for it takes two to tango. After all it’s been said that challenges build character.
A positive understand smile can be far more powerful than raising a fist. Our world continues to grow towards 7 billion people as we approach a new time frame in the calendar of the Universe predicted thousands of years ago by people who understood more of the world we live than many do today. The age of enlightenment where millions are growing spiritually to an appreciation of the diversity of others. That we are all one, sharing this amazing blue green planet with millions of other living species.
If this is true the reality of bad behavior is if I yell at you I am yelling at myself. If I take from you, I am stealing from myself. However the inverse is why so many volunteer for good causes for the more I give, the more I receive. Behaving badly to others creates my own reality of living in a negative world instead of creating a positive world through focused good behavior honoring other spirits around me. Even if I disagree with their actions, beliefs, or any other variation of a theme. Good behavior is lifting people up. Helping the little lady across the street is a wonderful feeling. Try it sometime – like soon!

Here’s to your health, wealth and happiness!
Bo Tomlyn

]]> By: kirkweisler http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36150 kirkweisler Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:59:37 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2010/08/11/good-flight-attendent-gone-bad/#comment-36150 I have such mixed emotions about this situation. As a human being, I can understand a growing sense of frustration and the need to release the pressure that may be building up over time. The world we live in today is clouded by greed, ignorance, and an overwhelming sense of entitlement. It’s entirely possible Steven has dealt with these types of customers far too many times and had finally reached a limit on his ability to calm the situation or himself. However, that being said, as a manager in the service industry, the workplace is NOT a place to release steam and chastise a customer – whether they deserve it or not. Because the world is as it is, we need to step above the chaos and stand up as leaders for what we believe in and provide positive examples and role models for others to follow. I have worked in the service industry for over 20 years and while there have been many times that I have felt run over or attacked or frustrated by a customer, I have always believed that it’s my responsibility (and lends to my strong personality) to be better than the average person and “kill them with kindness”!! One’s real character is defined by how well they handle adversity. I’ve heard more about Steven through the news and it does appear he is dealing with much adversity in his personal life – mom is dying of cancer. Rather than assaulting his customer, he should’ve taken some much-needed time off to clear his head, spend time with his mother, and eventually go back to work with a lot less stress. I don’t believe he should serve jail time, but due to the nature of his offense (emergency chute), he should probably be relieved of his position and make a formal apology to the airline and the customer. What a shame. Hopefully others will learn from this man’s actions. Melanie Ellsworth I have such mixed emotions about this situation. As a human being, I can understand a growing sense of frustration and the need to release the pressure that may be building up over time. The world we live in today is clouded by greed, ignorance, and an overwhelming sense of entitlement. It’s entirely possible Steven has dealt with these types of customers far too many times and had finally reached a limit on his ability to calm the situation or himself. However, that being said, as a manager in the service industry, the workplace is NOT a place to release steam and chastise a customer – whether they deserve it or not. Because the world is as it is, we need to step above the chaos and stand up as leaders for what we believe in and provide positive examples and role models for others to follow. I have worked in the service industry for over 20 years and while there have been many times that I have felt run over or attacked or frustrated by a customer, I have always believed that it’s my responsibility (and lends to my strong personality) to be better than the average person and “kill them with kindness”!! One’s real character is defined by how well they handle adversity.
I’ve heard more about Steven through the news and it does appear he is dealing with much adversity in his personal life – mom is dying of cancer. Rather than assaulting his customer, he should’ve taken some much-needed time off to clear his head, spend time with his mother, and eventually go back to work with a lot less stress. I don’t believe he should serve jail time, but due to the nature of his offense (emergency chute), he should probably be relieved of his position and make a formal apology to the airline and the customer. What a shame. Hopefully others will learn from this man’s actions.
Melanie Ellsworth

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