The Story behind Seat 14B
We are all part of different systems: our family, the company for which we work, the team within which we function, the sports club, circles of friends, and so on.
All these systems fit into a larger system: a region, a group of like-minded people, age-related systems, cultures, continents… And all these systems fit into an even larger system: the planetary system, after all, we are all part of the eco-system on this earth.
In each of these systems, there is an upper and lower current of energy seeking a path to balance and equilibrium. There are certain laws at play, in a visible and invisible way. But one thing is certain: All that is not “recognized and seen”, in the long run, brings a system out of balance and into danger.
With a dose of curiosity, bravery, acceptance and optimism, we can help the system to regain it’s balance again, starting with ourselves.
Let me share with you the story ‘Lucky Seat 14B’, published on my Linkedin profile in June 2024. Never before have I received so many fine responses. It nudged me to found Seat 14B: Giving place to business, people and planet, how do we do it together? Take a seat, on seat 14b and create your lucky spot for the small, medium and global system. The CO2 emissions from this trip is being compensated!
Seat 14B, the lucky seat 🙂
There I was, flying back from the International ICF Leaders Forum in Athens, sitting in seat 14B…
Literally “sandwiched” between an elderly couple who had intentionally reserved seats A and C. The husband wanted to sit near the window, the woman next to the aisle.
At first I thought I misunderstood and kindly suggested they switch seats so they could sit next to each other.
Nope. They wanted it their way and no other way. Fine for them…
But for seat 14B, it still felt a little strange. The couple talked to each other, over me, as if I were invisible and at times I felt more like a child between 2 parents (which I don’t have since I was 21).
No, it really did not feel right. This was not my place in the system. And the power of “systemic thinking” is no stranger to me as a coach 😉
Maybe I could talk with them, once the flight ahd landed. Just inviting them to consider this for a next flight…
An hour before landing, there’s this sudden happy announcement from the pilot:
Ladies and gentlemen, today our airline is celebrating its 25th anniversary and we organize a lottery. One of you will win a double ticket to any destination! Good luck to you all!
Oh well, what are the chances? Right?
Seriously!
Two free tickets to the destination of choice for seat 14B!
The cabin applauded. Bit crazy situation.
And on top of that many congratulations from the crew, shaking my hand while I remained seated.
Wishing me lots of luck and happiness for the rest of my life! 🙂
Only on seat 14A and 14C remained remarkably quiet.
Conclusion: Everyone is entitled to his/her place, whether in a family system, in the office or on this planet…
Or in place 14B on this particular flight from Athens to Brussels today!
Happy 25th anniversary, Aegean Airlines! And thank you!
The ‘ system’ wants to get things in ‘order’ all the time. Individuals, teams, businesses, societies, cultures have a PLACE in a much larger eco-system. A place to respect, if we want to keep the balance right.
