Taking the High Road

One of my favorite ways to learn is through reading. Everyone at the KHM Travel Group office knows this, and occasionally I’ll find things on my desk to read over before I officially start my day. Recently, someone shared reading material about taking the high road. It’s a phrase we’ve all heard and probably used many times. It wasn’t until reading this that I started to dig a little deeper into what it means and how it can apply to business and the travel industry.

Taking the high road is defined as “behaving in a moral way when other people are not behaving morally.” It’s standing out from the crowd at a time when it’s most difficult to do so. As a person of strong faith, taking the high road goes beyond business. It’s about being the person I’m called to be and setting that example for others in my life.

It’s Not an Easy Journey

If you’ve ever taken the high road yourself, you’d be the first to admit that it’s not the easy route. It takes effort to set your ego aside and avoid the temptation to shift blame.

Throughout the past few years, you’ve probably run into many stressful situations where you could have pointed fingers. “You didn’t read the fine print, so you’re out of luck on that.” What a different experience it becomes when you reframe it as “Unfortunately, those terms are extensive, and I know it’s a lot to understand. Let me see if there’s anything I can do. I’d be happy to walk through those with you in the future too.”

How many times have you helped someone all along the booking process, doing research and giving suggestions … only for them to book it themselves online. The frustration when this happens is valid. But was there anything you could have done to prevent it? Did you explain the value of booking with you enough? Did you provide too much information that led them to think they had all the details they needed? And if something were to happen during travel they booked themselves, would you ignore their frantic texts?

Taking the high road doesn’t always lead to one clear answer. And it’s not always about being proven right.

The View is Worth the Climb

Something that I hadn’t really thought about until reading what was shared with me was the aftermath of taking the high road. You’ve done the right thing and taken responsibility for your actions (or the actions of others); now what? What comes next is something we don’t always do, but it’s taking a step back to appreciate the bigger picture. From that high road, a lot of strengths and opportunities suddenly become clearer.

If you lost a sale, what else did you gain? Maybe it’s the trust of your client, who is more motivated than ever to give you a referral. Or a newly formed bond with a Business Development Manager you now want to work with in the future. Or is it the experience to face your next challenge much more prepared and confident.

It’s a great feeling to own a business that you’re proud of. To have a business that stands on integrity and morals, above all else. With the travel industry, many of our brands are direct reflections of ourselves. We are the value our clients appreciate. How wonderful is it to know you avoided the fast track to success and took the high road to get to where you want to be.