Ransom

We are sometimes held ransom. We may not realize it, but we may experience being ‘held ransom’ by someone, or in a circumstance.

That doesn’t mean the other party is a villain, nor does it mean that we are a victim to circumstance. But it does mean a possible experience of helplessness and frustration.

I’ve just emerged from a long, painful journey, during which — on hindsight — I experienced being held ransom.

But this morning, I was reminded of a speech by Singapore’s founding father — Lee Kuan Yew.

He recounted a stand-off between him, and pilots of the Singapore Airlines who were on strike.

I thought it was an inspiring narrative — of someone who refused to be held ransom; and who could not be held ransom.

You can find the video here, and the transcript below this post.

There was a single line, that stood out to me…

“I am prepared to start all over again.”

It’s an incredibly powerful statement. It was made to the parties (pilots) that sought (possibly unknowingly) to hold him ransom.

But more importantly — it was a statement he made to himself, concerning his circumstance.

I can do it again. And I will do it again. With, or without you. In this, or in any circumstance.

Looking back at my personal moments of helplessness — they were never caused by parties who didn’t agree with me, nor were they products of circumstance. Those moments existed, simply because I was willing to be held ransom.

And I now no longer am.

I’ve made my choice. I have time. Everything I’ve done, I can do it again… better, faster.

And I’m prepared to start all over again.

This was written, and first published on Medium on 23 January 2022. I’m migrating some of my older blog posts from Medium, and starting with this one.

Transcript

“I can tell you that when I met the SIA pilots, I didn’t meet them on TV, I met them face-to-face. Five feet across the table so they can see me, and see whether I’m still vigorous, able to campaign and take them on. Whether it’s worth taking me on.

And I offered them two choices. Either you stop this intimidation, which is what it was, bringing SIA right down. Disrupting services, ruining its reputation.

Millions of dollars worth of advertisements and sales ruined within a matter of two weeks.

I gave them a choice. Continue this and I will by every means at my disposal teach you and get the people of Singapore to help me teach you a lesson you won’t forget.

And I’m prepared to start all over again or stop it! Get back to work, restore discipline, then argue your case.

Took them 65 minutes and they decided ok it isn’t worth the fight.

Why? Because they know they’ll lose.

They know that I’m prepared to ground the airline. They know that I can get the airline going again without them.

And let there be no mistakes about it. Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up. This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine. I spent a whole lifetime building this. And as long as I’m in charge, nobody’s going to knock it down.”

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