I drove in the rain today.
On the Interstate.
It was crazy.
Why?
Drivers drive in pouring down rain in the exact same manner as on a sunny day.
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Sudden lane changes
“Ok boomer…you’re just mad that people drive fast while you’re ‘grandma-driving’ 50 in the fast lane.”
Fine, but the three cars on the side of road all smashed up, people standing in the pouring rain, calling for help…that’s not fine.
What does this have to do with leadership?
-When conditions change, change tactics
Effective sunny day tactics gather much more risk in a downpour. Be aware of the risk and mitigate to ensure that you arrive safely.
-When others are acting recklessly around you, be steady.
Leaders must often be the boring one, the one that isn’t jumping up and down and yelling. The leader’s demeanor rubs off on those that follow. When you as the leader freak out, you spread fear.
-Be prepared.
The downpour is not the right time to change your wiper blades. Auto maintenance isn’t rocket science, neither is leadership. Identify the best systems you can and put them to work consistently.