I was travelling in a flight from Jaipur to Mumbai. As the flight was completely packed, and was getting undue delayed, people had started gathering near the boarding counter to know the reasons. In such situations, as always, you would find few aggressive people, who would take this delay to another level of confrontation with the ground staff.
Since, almost all the passengers could hear these heated arguments and confrontations, there was a situation of extreme tension and aggression.
Suddenly, one of the passengers started speaking about the Pilots of the aircraft – “All this delay is happening due to late coming of the Pilots. They have taken every passenger for a ride. They should not forget that they are getting salaries only because we are travelling. Tomorrow, if we stop, they will have no jobs. Let them fly aircrafts without passengers.” Many passengers nodded their head in affirmation too.
Result, a careless talking by a highly irritated passenger and few equally irresponsible gossips mongers, flamed the issue further.
None of these passengers realized that the Pilots and the crew members were standing just behind them, listening to each and every word that was being spoken. They neither reacted nor interrupted this heated confrontation.
Suddenly, one of these passengers turned back and saw the Pilots and the crew members. The explosion of words had already happened. It was not possible to eat the words already vomited and be polite now. The Pilots stood straight and calm – no reaction, nothing.
There was a death silence. The blood of shouting passengers had frozen and faces had freezed now.
Slowly, the other passengers started dispersing, leaving alone those few, who thought they were the crusaders.
Standing in isolation and wondering what to do now – and also thinking about the repercussions – they stood still. I am sure they must have thought that they might be deplaned now forever. Airlines have tough rules for such rowdy passengers.
One of the Pilot could understand the passengers mind and came forward and patted one of the passengers on his shoulder and said – “Gentleman, we also fly with you when you fly. We also do not like delays for any reason. It is true that without you flying with us, it would be difficult to run aircrafts and of course get our salaries. But also appreciate that we fly you too to your destination, and make sure you reach safely. Your safety is our utmost priority. Trust me, none of us wants to delay the flights. But it is also true that we cannot take any risk with the aircraft. The delay has happened for a good reason. The plane that had arrived late had developed few technical snags and they have been rectified now. I will go and check the aircraft again and only if satisfied, we would fly. I hope you understand this.”
Everyone appreciated what the Pilot said and gathered around to support him. The pilots and crew members went inside the aircraft and within few minutes the message came – “Start the Boarding”.
In office too, we are careless about what we are talking and against whom we are spreading words. We are so confident that whatever we are speaking would remain between few of the ‘close’ friends. Practically, it is only but true. Every word of the loose talk travels back to the person we spoke about, and moreover, the carriers of these messages are the same whom we spoke in confidence, our close friends. These friends would also ensure that proper ‘salt-pepper’ is applied while conveying your words.
One incident I remember. Long back I realised that the behaviour of my Boss had suddenly changed for me. I waited for few days and not finding any reason, I went straight to him and shared my apprehensions. He was polite and said – “Be careful about what you speak about anyone in this office. One of your team members shared what you said about me over a cup of coffee.” I was freezed. I asked him what exactly has been conveyed to him, and he also shared – “That I favour few people in this office and thus they get better appraisals.”
I was shocked, as what I had said was that – “Managers do favour employees who work hard and produce results.” My statement was distorted and conveyed.
First and foremost, I apologised to my Boss and then also told him what I actually said. My Boss smiled and said – “Pavan I have recruited you so I know you. I know how much you respect me. I am upset with you only because you still haven’t learned to not to confide in people, you won’t otherwise trust.”
That was a lesson for me. Our differences were clear and we went for a cup of tea, as always.
In every office, gossip mongers are the most powerful lobby – and particularly those who have close access to the top management. Not everyone interacts with the top-management on daily basis, so they always have an advantage.
I would also like to blame such top-management who have open ears for such gossip mongers and believe in what is told to them.
Coming back, we all had a wonderful flight. Everything was normal. People had forgotten the causes of the delay and even what all had happened at the airport.
The flight landed in Mumbai, safe and sound. The same Captain again apologised for the delay that was caused due to few technical snags. No one heard him. Everyone was in a hurry to de-board and move to their respective places.
As I was about to de-board, the same Captain suddenly came out of the cockpit. He smiled at me and I could not meet his eyes. When I came near to him, I just said – “Sorry Captain”. He asked me – “Sorry, but for what”. I said, “I was also amongst the ones who were hearing those nonsense allegations and didn’t say anything”.
He patted my shoulder and said – “Fly again gentleman, we always welcome our passengers.”
I thanked Bholenath for a safe flight and promised him that, no matter what, at least I would not react without finding the exact cause or reason. I would look for solutions, rather discussing about the problems.