J.R. Briggs
Attempting to behold the miracle long enough without falling asleep
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Avoiding Leadership Crashes
Recently, I read a study on highway safety and crashes.
The report revealed accidents occur the majority of the time because of one simple factor. It wasn’t because of age or race or experience or physical ability/health. The largest factor in vehicle crashes was the driver was distracted in the last three seconds before impact.
These distractions included reaching for something in the passenger seat, taking a bite of a sandwich, adjusting the volume on the radio or texting/receiving a phone call. I found it surprising that it did not relate to age, ability or experience.
In addition to reflecting on my own distractions while I drive, this study made me reflect on leadership and leadership “crashes” – catastrophic events that occur in organizations, schools, businesses and churches. There are numerous distractions that exist in the lives of leaders. Without focus, leaders (and those they serve) go astray.
Of course, crashes will always occur (on the road and in leadership). We are fallible and we do make mistakes. They cannot be eliminated entirely, but many can be eliminated by wise thinking and focus.
- What distractions (both benign and dangerous) exist around you as a leader?
- What top two distractions pose the greatest risk to you and your leadership? Why?
- What might you do to eliminate or minimize those distractions so as to divert tragedy?
- How can others help you eliminate or minimize the impact these distractions can have on your life and leadership?
- What can you learn from others who have experienced leadership crashes and what distracted them?
Worth said...
1J.R.,
Here’s what this sparked for me: Be honest with self and others, understand you’re vulnerable (i.e. distractions are not respecters of age or experience), plan ahead, and share your plan with others in your immediate vicinity.
Worth
08/6/12 8:51 AM | Comment Link