Stuck in Vegas without a Room!

Boy, what an experience! Every year I attend a gaming convention in January to reward myself for the previous year’s work. I’ve been doing this for several years. It’s always a pleasant experience. Yesterday wasn’t so pleasant. 

I was checking in at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the new check-in kiosk was waiting for me to expedite the process. I despise inefficiency, and was very happy to see this little computer assistant welcoming me to check-in. However, the computer informed me that my room had not been assigned. 

 

Recognizing that the computer was obviously in error, I went to the front desk. I then learned that I didn’t have a room assigned because I did not have a room. WHAT?!!!

Now keep in mind, as a former marine, attention to detail is preeminent when managing logistics. It is especially important when it comes to travel and I am meticulous. I double and triple check everything. I did so again in preparation for this weekend’s retreat. As a result, over the last several years, my travels in and out of country have gone off without a hitch. Much like rolling the dice, I suppose I was “due”. 

 

To make a very long story short (full of emotion and frustration) I’ll just write this… I was not able to check-in. I went back to the parking garage and sat in my car fuming with anger.

Now, here is the kicker: I am an avid reader. Audiobooks have ben a tremendous asset (Last year I went through 72 of them). I was listening to an audiobook on the way down while I was driving. It is entitled “Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box!” by the Arbinger Institute. 

 

I have read it several times. I have used it with leadership and management teams in companies I have trained. But last night while I was sitting in my car angry beyond belief, the principles contained in the book hit me square in the face. Then an epiphany came… and in that moment, I recognized and understood the problem. 

I called my wife. We got to work immediately. She called the hotel, and I got a hold of the company with whom I booked the reservation. After working together with my amazing wife; Michelle, at the front desk; Luis, the front desk manager; Aneesah in reservations, the problem was resolved. I was so impressed with everyone and how they responded to the situation. I even had other friends at the convention, sympathetic to my plight, offer up a room or help—so supportive! I was most impressed with my wife’s intuition. Most importantly, we were able to work together as a team to fix the problem.

I think everybody at this time of the year is looking to improve themselves. I am no different. Much like the majority of Americans, I am a religious man. I am praying man. I have learned that when you pray for growth, the good Lord often doesn’t wave a magic wand and make the change happen… You are presented with opportunities that align with your prayers, so that you can improve. 

If you are struggling in any kind of relationship, be it professional, or personal, I highly recommend this book. If you practice the principles contained in it… It will change your life! I know because I have been using it since 2001. I am still learning from it. (sometimes I’m just slow on the uptake!) And just in case you’re wondering, the authors of the book and the Arbinger Institute did not solicit me to share this with you. 

Because I care about people, and because I try—in the small sphere of influence that I have—to make the world a better place… I wanted to share. Make the year 2025 the best ever! God Bless and Godspeed!