11/01/2025
Duck or Eagle? The Choice is yours:
At the airport, I was approached by a taxi driver named John. What struck me first was the phrase in his cab:
"Duck or Eagle? You decide."
The next thing that caught my attention was John's professional appearance: a clean, shiny cab, and he was dressed in a white shirt, pressed pants, and a tie.
John opened the door for me and introduced himself:
"I am John, your chauffeur. While I load your luggage, please take a moment to read my mission statement."
His mission card read:
"To get my clients to their destination quickly, safely, and economically, while providing a friendly environment."
The interior of the cab was spotless. John asked,
"Would you like some coffee? Or perhaps juice? I have regular and diet options, as well as water."
He also offered me today's newspaper and magazines, explained his radio station options, and ensured the air conditioning was comfortable. He even asked whether I wanted to chat or preferred silence.
I was curious and asked,
"Do you always treat your customers like this?"
John smiled and replied:
*"Not always. A few years ago, I was just like the other drivers—complaining and unhappy. Then I attended a seminar where a speaker, a personal development expert, said something that changed my life:
‘Don’t be a Duck! Be an Eagle. Ducks quack and complain; eagles soar above the noise.’
I realized I had been quacking like a duck, and I decided to soar instead. I cleaned up my cab, improved my service, and focused on creating a positive experience for my clients.
The results were incredible. In my first year as an eagle, I doubled my income. This year, I’ve quadrupled it. Now, my clients book me directly, and if I’m unavailable, I recommend other ‘eagle’ drivers.”*