One of the many things I appreciate about my physician is that she always ends an appointment by asking, “Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?”

She doesn’t rush patients out the door; she’s curious and attentive. As a result, there are times when she’s slightly behind schedule. That flexibility is a result of her generosity.

Not all systems are as flexible.

At the end of a long day in Nuremberg, my colleagues and I made our way to a train that would take us back to our hotel. As we neared the platform, we noticed a train about to depart.

Wanting desperately to get us all onto that train — and not the next train arriving ten minutes later — I sprinted down the steps, across the platform, and I put my foot in the doors just before they finished closing.

The train was unsympathetic.

Unlike an elevator whose sensitive doors offer a flexibility in departure, this train was leaving on time.

With my foot.

Slightly panicked, I hopped along with the departing train and was just barely able to yank my shoe free before being dragged away.

I learned my lesson.

* * *

Whether we choose to be flexible depends on who’s being served and whose needs are a priority. Sometimes flexibility is worth it. Other times, keeping to the plan is what serves the majority most effectively.