The “Driving” Need for Leadership

Have you ever been driving and been caught off guard by someone zooming around, driving faster than those around them? It starts to feel like those drivers believe their time, their ability to get somewhere quickly matters more than the needs and safety of the rest of us.

The other day, I was driving “the Beltway.” (If you live in the DC area, you know exactly what I mean! If not, imagine  jostling for a spot on a very crowded sidewalk, but with cars.) I saw one of “those” cars, zooming in and out of lanes, trying to get ahead. You might think someone “ahead” of others would be the leader, but in this case, I think the opposite is true.

Rushing, being there first, racing past everyone else isn’t the best way to go. Phrases like “leave them in the dust” might sound exciting, but leaving people behind because you must be ahead isn’t true leadership.

As Shakespeare said, “Go wisely and slowly. Those who rush, stumble and fall.” (Romeo and Juliet)

In busy traffic, the only way busy driving works is if people work together. We allow others to merge, we take turns entering and exiting, we go about the same speed, we pay attention to what others are doing. We work together. That decision makes the chances of us all arriving safely and on time much better. The more we work together on the road, the better it is for all of us. Rushing ahead creates a bad outcome—the vehicle equivalent of “stumble and fall.”

Take time to watch and take care of others. Slow down and pay attention to the people around you. Let someone in front of you while driving. Let someone else speak first in a meeting. That doesn’t mean you can’t speak, and you won’t really arrive to your destination more than a few seconds later. Slowing down and taking turns, being more concerned about everyone progressing than being there first, making space for others to move forward—that’s true leadership.

What can leaders do?

• Take a breath before speaking. Listen first.
• Let others go first whenever you can.
• Resist the urge to push people who think more slowly—give others time to process and share their thoughts even if you make decisions more quickly.

Whether 400 years ago or today, true leaders “go wisely and slowly.”