Lean On Me

“Son, a decision needs to be made here and now…You need to either lead, follow, or get off the bus! What will it be?” Following those words was a long, awkward moment where we locked eyes in the same fashion that two boxers do when being recited the rules of the match. It was a moment in my life I will never forget. Three options, so simple, yet the long-term ramifications of each choice carried so much weight. If one chooses to “lead”; well, let’s be honest, you better have a well prepared plan as well as a back-up plan, understand and clearly communicate expectations to all involved, and be ready to identify potentials risks along the way, making adjustments as needed. The choice to be a “follower” is suitable for many. Those who do not crave high levels of stress, responsibility, and constant scrutiny, find a nice, warm place here. Do the job as assigned and the follower enjoys another day of being held accountable for their share of the work. But just as the leader needs to communicate, so does the follower. He or she must let others know what is going on; sometimes as part of getting the task done, other times as part of safety protocol. Regardless, communication for the leader and the follower is of paramount importance to the success of any project outcome. Lastly, the “get off the bus” decision emerges. This one is rare, but pretty simple when faced. If you are on the wrong bus, you can be neither a leader nor a follower effectively. Do yourself and the others around you a favor and communicate that you need to get off the bus (move into a different job function or a different company). Find what is right for you. All three choices require one common yet important element, communication.

From time to time we all must evaluate our objectives; decide if we are on the right path towards achieving our goals, and regroup, if necessary, making adjustments required and re-aligning the “what” we do with the “why” we do it. What key results do you or your teams need to successfully achieve in order to reach your defined and measurable goals? If you are leading, are you communicating in a way that the message is not just heard, but understood by all? If you are following, are you listening, are you fully aware of what your responsibility is? Are you asking questions?

One thing I have learned over the years is that I love a challenge, personal or professional, and I equally enjoy mentoring others. Whether it be individuals or teams, there is something special about sharing what others have found meaningful enough to pass along to us that we can then reiterate, usually screwing it up a bit, and paying it forward to others, hopefully helping them along in their journey.

In the wise words written by Bill Withers made famous in the song "Lean on Me":
You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand.
We all need somebody to lean on.
I just might have a problem that you'll understand.
We all need somebody to lean on.

Make Your Decision. Communicate Clearly. Lean on One Another.
Be Mentored. Mentor Others.
Get Better.