A Fear Story From Jason
Three lessons from a scary moment
Jason is a jazz musician and former journalist. This is his fear story. I like the lessons he learned from being in the hot-seat and surviving!
I want to hear your fear story too, so please send it to adam@acole.net
Jason’s Fear Story
“I have a story about courage. I'd got a really good break in journalism, worked hard and found myself promoted to deputy production editor. Very prestigious. That's the person who is partially responsible for the paper being put together right and going to the printers on time, and when the production editor is off, is completely responsible. Down to the last comma. You also run the team in an environment that can change by the minute, always rolling up your sleeves yourself when necessary - it's frantic. I later learned that my immediate boss was a jazz fan and promoted me because he valued improvisation. Best job and best money I'd ever had in my life and all looked great.
“On my second solo flight there was a horrible mistake, it went out and my heart sank when I bought a copy in the morning. I was off for a couple of days and I just thought my entire career was over. The ultimate bosses were notoriously terrifying - they'd scream at people and fire them at the drop of a hat, and were so influential that your might never work in the game again.
“Then the next time I was at work I was called into the editor's office and asked what the f*ck had happened. I said I knew out and I'd do everything possible to make sure it wouldn't happen again. Then I was asked who f*cked up. I said it was on my watch so I was responsible and I'd take the consequences.
“Then I went back to my desk and carried on working, waiting for security with a cardboard box and worrying about paying the bills. At about 7pm, the number two walked through the newsroom, leaned over me as though looking at what I was working on and quietly said ‘the old devil really likes you, laddie’.
“Word spread, although not from me. It was a newsroom - the guy who filled the coffee machine knew the scoops of the week and the colour of everyone's underpants...
“The lessons - 1. Give solutions not excuses, 2. Leading means putting other people first, and 3. Let your actions make your reputation not your mouth.”
Well said, Jason. People are often afraid to take responsibility, even when the mistake might actually be someone else’s. This story indicates that sometimes turning your boat into the storm is the way to save it from being swamped.