This was written a while back, during my previous business trip:
Got angry this morning, which changed very quickly to shame.
A lesson how kindness and friendliness can diffuse anger and bad feelings.
Rushed to the Airport in the morning, as had a 8:30AM flight to Seoul.
As I reached the connecting train station I noticed I have one minute till the Express train to the Airport leaves.
Rushed to the elevator and as it was about to close, an elderly man rushed as well, stopped the elevator which made me miss the train.
Got angry/disappointed and I guess it was apparent on my face.
To my surprise, the man that stopped the elevator approached me asking (in Japanese) if I am heading to the airport.
“If so, please follow me and I will guide you. Taking the following train and changing will be faster”.
I (of course) verified independently and followed him. When we changed trains he approached me again, showing me the way to the fast escalator and guiding me where to wait for the train for a fast connection on arrival.
Surprises and lessons learned :
Not many Japanese will approach and angry foreigner, speak in Japanese and offer their help.
Having felt the anger it turned into shame. A 5 or 10 minutes delay caused me so much stress and anger which were also apparent to my surroundings .
Results:
Arrived to the airport before 6:50. By 7:00 I was at lounge working.
Unnecessary stress, unnecessary anger and bad vibes to my surroundings.