Leaders, Watch Your Speed!

When I'm driving, I'm all about getting there...quickly.  So, my tendency is to speed...just a little.  (Not a good confession for all the traffic-law-abiding citizens out there, I know.)  I haven't had a ticket in years and my driving record is good.  All of that could have changed a couple of weeks ago.  I was driving back from an out-of-town meeting, proceeding through a work zone, attempting to slow down to the reduced speed required.  In my unsuccessful attempt, a state trooper pulled me over.  His first words were music to my ears: "I'm giving you a warning today..."  Then he asked the question: "Do you know how fast you were going?"  (I guess it's their way of making you own up to your wrong or unawareness...which still makes us guilty.)  Our conversation continued and then ended with me thanking him for the grace.  (That seemed to catch him off guard a bit.) 

This whole experience got me to thinking about leadership and how the speed of the leader is so critical.  Bill Hybels, in his book Axiom, mentions this leadership truth:  "The speed of the leader, the speed of the team."  In other words, the tempo of the leader will determine the distance of the team and ultimately, the entire organization.  Leaders have followers - that's the name of the game.  The leader's team is waiting on the cues of the leader.  So, when the leader speeds up or slows down, the team will follow.  This alone communicates the essence and significance of leadership.  

Here are some suggestions on leadership speed:

1.  Consider your leadership speed an opportunity to move your team and organization forward.  When leaders do what leaders do, followers get closer to where they need to be. 

2.  Don't abuse the privilege of driving the "passengers" or leading the "caravan" to the next destination.  Leadership is a stewardship!  It has been entrusted to us as a gift to help others reach rich goals. 

3.  Observe particular "road signs" common for all leaders.  Spiritual leaders must never exempt themselves from boundaries that keep others safe.

That "warning" by the state trooper was good for me.  Ever since then, I look at the road signs and watch my speed a little more.  The broader lesson as it relates to leadership:  Understanding the slow down, speed up, turn, and detour needs of the journey are essential to the effectiveness of any leader.  Leaders, watch your speed!

Leader, what is your speed and what needs to change to better your leadership?