How’s Your Driving?

Over the summer I experienced a family intervention around my driving. My dad in his capacity as designated spokesperson pulled me aside quietly and shared, "No one wants to drive with you, including your son. You drive way too fast and it's scary for all of us." 

OUCH! I had no idea and felt terrible about all the discomfort I was causing, especially for my son. What felt completely normal to me felt chaotic and dangerous to everyone else. And as passengers, my family members had no control over the destination, speed, or level of aggression with which I drove. Fortunately, I drive a lot more carefully now thanks to a dad who courageously and lovingly helped me face a hard truth about myself.

And then I thought about the application of this situation to driving change as leaders. Many of us have become super adept at navigating transition and ambiguity and it's one of the reasons we've been elevated. The downside is that we may lose sight of how others experience organizational change. What feels completely normal to us can feel chaotic and dangerous to our team members. We would benefit from being curious about the "danger" different individuals see and what makes them experience potential changes that way. And maybe we'd still need to be on the path we're on. But hopefully we'd bring more compassion and perspective in leading others along the way.

Interestingly, once I slowed down, I began to notice things I hadn't seen before as I drove. And I saw other areas of my life that would benefit from a slower approach. But none of that would have happened without an intervention.

So where do YOU need to slow down? Who around you can courageously and lovingly help you face hard truths about your leadership style? When will you seek that feedback?

I'm cheering you on in your continuing evolution as a leader. And yes, I hope your driving's going well too!