Leadership Driving Tips

I still remember when I was in driver’s training, the instructor told us that we needed to keep our eyes on the road ahead as well as our side mirrors and the rearview mirror.  This seemed like a lot to do. At first it was awkward to balance our attention in multiple directions.  Over time, it became second nature to check those vantage points and maintain safe driving. 

The same advice can also apply to leading a team.  In leadership we need to look to the rearview at the lessons of the past.  Lessons from our own experience and that of others that should bring insight and wisdom to guide us.  While the future differs from the past, we must learn to avoid repeating our past mistakes. 

Leaders also need to have clarity about the present.  In a car you listen for noises that signal something is wrong, likewise monitor your team for any needs they possess.  It is not enough to assume that if they don’t tell us something is wrong, then everything is okay.  Observe their demeanor, listen to their tone of voice, evaluate their energy and quality of work.  All of these can be indicators that something is amiss. 

Most drivers maintain their car so it performs well when they want to go somewhere.  The same thing is true of our teams in order to maintain strong talent.  Team members require us to provide a road map of our destination, praise for their great work, feedback on how to improve and tools to succeed.  Maintenance allows them to understand our priorities and how to contribute to reach the goal. 

Leaders also must eye the road ahead.  Are there obstacles or potholes that we need to navigate around?  Using side mirrors or evaluating risks will allow us to stay on course and miss costly errors.  This practice of looking ahead allows us to keep our team in alignment with each other and able to excel. 

Finally, keeping the future in the forefront allows us to ensure that is where you will end up.  Rather than get distracted along the way, being focused on our future goals will bring success to us and our teams.