The "Lane Hog" -> how to create more self-awareness in the pool & at work!

From ages 7 to 17, I swam competitively with the YMCA of Western North Carolina . This meant my entire youth was defined by 5 AM starts and 5 PM finishes in the water, before and after school.?

I'll admit that these days, I rarely get back in the chlorine. But last week I treated myself to an outdoor swim at the small local Thorndon pool. Within minutes, I remembered exactly why I don’t go more often.

People are infuriating.

Why does all self-awareness seem to disappear the moment someone’s head goes underwater?

Afterward, I found myself muttering—trying to make sense of why the basic principles of lane etiquette seem impossible for some people to grasp. And then, I had to laugh because the same principles so obviously apply to work life.

In an effort to avoid drowning in metaphor, allow me to present: Lauren’s Three Newly Created Rules of Leadership & Lane Etiquette.

Rule #1: Let Faster Swimmers Pass

In swimming, if someone is gaining on you, you stop at the wall and let them pass. It’s basic courtesy—and it keeps the flow moving efficiently. But at work? Most people dig in - are self serving. They ignore the fact that someone else has a better, faster, or more effective idea. This ultimately serves to make everyone’s work ineffective.?

What do you do if you see this happening at work or with your coaching counterpart?

Coaching Q: What if someone else had brought this idea to you? What is important about this decision?

It’s a tricky task but encouraging colleagues, counterparts (and leaders) to step back and create space for others fosters a more fluid environment and keeps everyone from getting kicked in the face.?

Rule #2: Stay in Your Lane (But Pay Attention!)

Some swimmers drift, taking up more space than necessary. They don’t mean to, but they create chaos for everyone around them. Sound familiar??

Leaders and colleagues who micromanage, take on too much work, or insert themselves into every decision do the same thing. When you see this happening - how can you help others notice this tendency from a place of curiosity instead of judgment?

Coaching Q: What’s the best use of your time and energy right now? Where does your team need you most? Sometimes, just helping them reflect on their role and priorities allows colleagues and counterparts to shift focus and trust others more.

Rule #3: Don’t Sit on Someone’s Heels

In swimming, drafting off another swimmer’s wake helps conserve energy, making it an efficient strategy in long races. Tapping the heels of the swimmer ahead is a signal that you want to pass. But if someone constantly drafts without ever taking the lead, it gets frustrating FAST.

In work, this might look like someone coasting on the efforts of others instead of stepping up and taking responsibility. They ride along, benefiting from the hard work of their team without ever pulling their weight.

Holy moly - this kind of behavior makes me want to rage! How can we professionally handle this scenario?

Coaching Q: What would it look like if you took the lead on this project? What impact is your contribution having on the team?

Some drafters don’t even realize they are doing it - how can we as coaches best support this kind of self awareness?

The Cool Down

At the end of the day, whether in the pool or at work, lane hogs, drifters and drafters make life harder for everyone (including themselves). Long story short - self-awareness is key to better workouts AND better work environments.?

I am curious to hear what other coaching questions you might ask!