The intersections of life and leadership, we have all been there. Congested places where decisions are made to stop, go, or use caution. Places where there are both internal and external pressures to progress.
In life and leadership, our journey isn’t always straight; it’s a series of critical intersections we arrive at. Intersections are disguised as decisions. They also introduce us to people who Intercede our lives as various points along the route.
Here are three things that can happen at the intersections of life and leadership:
Stalled Out (Analysis Paralysis)
I used to drive a truck with a manual transmission. One of the most embarrassing things was when I let out on the clutch too quick and I stalled out at an intersection. Even though I tried to move forward, I just stalled out at the light.
We get stalled out in life and leadership through analysis paralysis. In our own worlds, we have more access to data in the decision making process than ever. To be clear, data includes not only numbers, but inputs of other’s opinions. More data often leads to more doubt. We desire to be one hundred percent sure before we press the gas.
Unfortunately, while we are waiting for “perfect,” the light has already cycled back to red. We end up stuck at the light of life and leadership.
Focusing on progress over perfection helps us, “go on green.” Forward motion moves us down the road.
The Lead Foot (Impulsivity)
It is safe to say that all of us began our driving careers with a lead foot. I would even go as far as anticipating when the light would turn green to go further, faster. The problem, I could have easily led myself into the intersection too early, opening up the possibility to be t-boned.
We all have our fair share of pressure-filled moments in life and leadership. At times, we can react to pressure by stomping on the gas the second we see green. We seek to be decisive, but fail to check the cross-traffic first.
Impulsive decisions increase the risk of collisions. It can be harmful to not only ourselves, but those who intersect our journeys.
There are situations that demand decisiveness. But, being recklessness increases risk. We are always liable for our impulsive decisions. Before we floor it, check and see if the danger is clear. Pause for a second, look both ways, then accelerate forward.
The Low Fuel Light (Burnout)
While I have never run out of gas, I have certainly pressed the limits of my fuel gauge! The worst place to run out of gas HAS to be at an intersection. Without gas, it’s physically impossible to move through it.
Fuel is a form of energy. Here is the reality of life and leadership, itis a fuel-intensive activity. Without fuel, we go nowhere, fast.
Dysfunction, discouragement, disappointment, burdens, critics, and heavy workloads drain our reserves. Ignoring our “low fuel” light, won’t just slow us down, it will bring us to a screeching halt. The irritability, exhaustion, and stress that sets off our gas gauge warning will not only impede our progress, but the progress of those with us along the journey as well.
In today’s world, burnout is real. The world around us will continue to pass us by until we decide to refuel.
Conclusion
Leadership is a calling. It’s not for the faint of heart.
The alternative to leading others is to avoid the intersection entirely. It’s failing to have the courage to even get behind the wheel in the first place. To avoid the responsibility to lead others through EVERYTHING that each intersection has in store for us would be a travesty.
That is why we are behind the wheel. We are uniquely designed to navigate the twists and turns of leadership. The intersections of life and leadership are heavily congested with people desiring to be led. Are we up to the task?
