Brake, Think, Lead: A Leadership Lesson from the road
Sony Simon
Senior Human Resource Manager at Esper |Top 200 HR 30 under 30|ICF Accredited Coach| Transforming Organizations and Empowering Talent as a Strategic HR| Ally for Diversity and Inclusion
Yesterday, while traveling in a cab, I had an unexpected experience that left me reflecting on leadership, communication, and perspective.
As we were moving smoothly, my driver suddenly hit the brakes. A vehicle ahead had jumped unexpectedly, and he acted quickly to avoid an accident. Just as I was absorbing the moment, a loud voice from behind caught my attention—the driver of the car behind us was shouting in frustration, unaware of what had happened in front of us.
At that moment, I realized how often this happens in workplaces. We react based on what we see without understanding the full picture. As leaders, how often do we judge decisions without knowing the challenges that preceded them? How often do we get frustrated at delays, changes, or shifts without considering the bigger picture that others might be navigating?
Here are three key takeaways from this experience:
1?? Pause Before Reacting – The driver behind us assumed we braked for no reason. If he had taken a moment to assess, he would have realized that the situation wasn’t as simple as it seemed. In leadership, taking a pause before reacting can prevent unnecessary conflicts and foster understanding.
2?? Empathy Matters – Just like that frustrated driver, we sometimes judge colleagues, teams, or even leadership decisions without understanding their constraints. Practicing empathy allows us to step into others’ shoes and respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively.
3?? Perspective Changes Everything – Sitting in my cab, I had a clear view of what happened. The driver behind did not. In organizations, visibility varies—leaders might see challenges that teams don’t, and vice versa. Encouraging open communication and transparency can bridge this gap and create a culture of trust.
That ride was a small moment in my day, but it left a big impression. Next time you find yourself reacting in frustration—whether in traffic or at work—take a step back and ask, Do I have the full picture?
What’s a moment in your life that taught you a leadership lesson?
#Leadership #Perspective #Empathy #WorkplaceLessons
Recruitment Associate @ Esper
1 周Scenario well portrayed! Perspectives matters!! Not all that we see and hear is the real fact until it is witnessed. Especially in the place taking a pause provides a better circumstance to think sensitively and respond mindfully.
Founder-Eagles Ascend | ICF-PCC | Transformational Coach | Transforming Potential into Excellence | Empowering Growth for Individuals & Organizations
1 周Sony Simon very well said. ?Taking a pause before responding isn’t just about patience—it’s about creating space for empathy and perspective. When we pause, we allow ourselves to truly understand the other side, leading to more thoughtful, impactful conversations. A small pause can make a big difference in how we react, respond, and lead.