As we enter the busy month of July, it's never been fun to live through construction. The only consolation I can offer is: 1) it's necessary and 2) the same advice a friend gave me about our infant son not sleeping more than two hours consecutively. . ."This too shall pass." I remember driving down Blue Lakes Blvd. in Twin a year ago and wondering how a big city could tolerate this, now I wonder how they could live without the extra space and smooth roads. I see it as an investment in our future, but it comes at a price that each of us pay with every minute waiting. The truth is we've become used to zero traffic waits. . .except for an occasional train, a slow moving combine, or that one light on Overland that always makes everyone stop when there are no cars. And remember, if you think it's inconvenient for you, think of the businesses along North Overland that depend on the traffic for their customers, so maybe you don't have it all that bad.
As I was running some errands, I noticed a flagger yelling at a car that had disobeyed traffic and made a turn when not permitted. I felt badly for the flagger, and the position he must be in to try and keep things safe while some decide that they are above the law or on a different playing field altogether. Next time, I'll turn more carefully! Yes, it happened to be my car that he was yelling at. . .Which leads me into the leadership principle for this month from Dennis Perkins' book, Leading at the Edge,
"Minimize status differences and insist on courtesy and mutual respect."
Ernest Shackleton wasn't a graduate of the Royal Navy like so many of his peers; he was brought up on merchant ships literally working his way up. One of his key traits was his ability to befriend anyone, regardless of their position or rank. Even when their ship was stuck in the ice and 'swabbing the deck' became one of the routine chores, he led by example and took his turn, showing to all of the crew, that they were all in this together, and just because he was the expedition leader, didn't mean he was too good or too lofty to do the same type of chores. Ranks within the military have their place, who would want to wander into battle with an entire team of new recruits. However, in the business world, the more leaders try and separate themselves from other levels of labor, the more it breaks apart the team or group. In my position in the hospitality industry, my job description includes all of the jobs that happen at a hotel, and sometimes, I'm forced to fill in for that person. Luckily for the other employees and our guests, this doesn't happen very often, because my skill level at some tasks is not anywhere near their skill level. I must say that I have a much deeper appreciation for all of the employees at the hotel after I have tried to perform their tasks for a few hours.
One of the best examples from Shackleton leading his crew by example came about when they were leaving the ship to undertake their voyage across the ice with lifeboats and were dividing up sleeping bags. There were two choices; the warmer, more comfortable reindeer hide bags, or the simple heavy weight wool sleeping bags. As there weren't enough reindeer bags for everyone, Shackleton proposed a lottery, and to show his commitment to the crew, didn't submit his name into the lottery, and settled for a wool bag.
While we're not suffering the intense cold and ice that they faced—although some may disagree with our "Spring" weather—we are facing daily tasks that are challenging and difficult. As leaders in our communities, I hope we will embrace the opportunity to lead by example and not be afraid to 'walk in someone's shoes' for an hour or two to really increase team spirit and togetherness. And if we show common courtesy to everyone—even under stressful construction conditions—we show to them that we respect them and appreciate their contributions.