Traffic!*&^# When lanes are BLOCKED!?

Currently, in my city, there seems to be lots of construction going on and we have plenty of

hills. So when there’s a “situation” involving a blocked lane, it’s helpful to know to:

1. Avoid the area if possible or if interested

2. Leave earlier to allow extra time

3. Leave road rage behind

Who really keeps any of these in mind? 

Well not me, at least not often enough.  And during “rush hours” it is worse.  Now let’s be clear, Lincoln, NE is not like LA or NYC - no thank you.  However, why get into a situation where I might be late if I can avoid it right?

In some cases, we have an issue, well …. maybe several issues that arise in this situation.  When the road barricades show up rather unexpectedly, or I am behind a larger vehicle that inhibits my view, I may get a clue if I see several vehicles moving from one lane to another (Note: if many people are doing something that is surprising, there is ALWAYS a Reason, my (your) job is figure out the best plan before the options diminish.)

That was the first issue - what do do when there becomes an Awareness?

Next issue - Well there wouldn’t be an issue if everyone becomes aware and is polite about getting in line with everyone else and taking their turn.  Two good things, the transition is orderly and it's polite.  And when things are orderly and polite, they go as smoothly as they can.

But…….what if someone is not aware? 

They start moving forward and then nearly instantly realize AHA - a light bulb moment!  

Let’s define this AHA - light bulb moment.  A- Awareness [I am now aware of the road blockage], H- Honesty [oops, I made a mistake, and I need to change lanes and get in line as well].  A - Action 

A [Action] - Now consider the actions that may take place.  

1. Immediately signal to move into the lanes and cooperate with the others. 

2. Now’s my chance, Zoom as far up to the front of the line.  I am late, this is my chance to make up for some time. Someone will let me in right up at the front. 

3. Take advantage of the break, then slowly realize, I am being a jerk cutting ahead of all of the vehicles that were ahead of me, and I need to slow down and assimilate to the group and be forever grateful to the person that is polite and lets me cut in.

All these are possible reactions.   What does this have to do with leadership?  

My answer - everything.  Because the way you act and treat people in one situation, foretells how you will treat people in all situations.  Let’s  review the 1-3 stages previously mentioned.  

1. We are all trying to get from point A to point B.  Let’s all get there safely and as timely as possible.

2. If you are late, especially, consistently late, let’s be honest, you do not value and honor other people and their time.  If you are only late this time, the world will not come to an end.  While stopped, contact your appointment and share that you are on the way, but caught up in construction.  If they can, they will accommodate you.  (Be better prepared next time).   Remember, you are not the sun, with everyone else like a  planet that revolves around you.  You are just like any other rock or ball of gas, someone else shines brighter than you; and you shall learn to respond better or may eventually face a “meteorite” to knock you off your path.

3. We all make mistakes, and we try to correct them as soon as we can, apologizing as best we can to those we treated as nails, because we only carry a hammer.

It really comes down to...

How you want to be seen is how you lead yourself.  Because the way you lead yourself is indicative of how you lead others.

I do have another option that I may use, more so when I am driving my truck.  If there are not a lot of additional exit options from the incorrect lane…..I may move over and straddle both lanes, helping you to realize the error of your ways, and to help us all  just get in line, and patiently take our turn.  If I violate your opportunity to properly navigate the road - I am truly sorry.  And if I violate your opportunity to IMPROPERLY cut ahead - all those that did not appreciate you being a jerk are (and I have been given a thumbs up) appreciating my leadership choice to make a difference for justice if not safety, and appropriate driving etiquette.

Brian