How Mom’s lessons made me a better manager

I was 15, and had just received my driver’s learner’s permit. My mom took me out in our 1970 Chrysler New Yorker, a huge boat of a car. While I drove, she sat in the passenger seat, giving instructions, and nervously gripping the arm rest. Every so often, if I didn’t react fast enough for her, I’d hear a hissing intake of breath or her feet stomping on an imaginary brake pedal.

There was so much to pay attention to! First the mechanics of driving. How to steer and turn. How to apply just enough pressure to the brake pedal to come a complete stop without giving us whiplash. Add road signs, traffic lights, other traffic, and pedestrians to the mix and it quickly became mind boggling.

In time, I mastered the mechanics and could focus more on anticipating other drivers’ movements. This is where my mom’s experience and guidance proved invaluable. She taught me how to anticipate trouble and how to avoid it. How did this help me at work?

1 -I’ve learned to pay attention when a driver in front of me is changing lanes frequently because he’s likely to make more sudden moves.

At work: Your new hire has changed jobs frequently in the last five years. Although you want to overlook these as isolated occurrences, they could be a pattern. Watch for changes in behaviour that may indicate he’s job searching: longer lunches or dressing up more than usual; leaving work early or coming in late. Be prepared. Keep a pipeline of talent, and cross-train a backup so you’re not left in the lurch if he makes a sudden move.

2 -I’ve learned to slow down when I see salt trucks on the highway because this means the roads are becoming icy and dangerous.

At work: Your manager is spending much more time in closed door meetings. Something is up. You may not know what’s happening, but now is probably not a good time to slack off.

3 -I’ve learned to anticipate that pedestrians glued to their cell phones might not look to see if cars are coming when they cross the street.

At work: The last time you worked with this client, she was very busy and hard to reach. Don’t expect things to miraculously change this time. Take time to discuss what you expect of each other, when and how best to communicate. Schedule meetings well in advance. Put buffer in your schedule to allow for delays.

Pay attention. Be vigilant. Watch out for predictable problems. Nip them in the bud, before they can affect your work.

Why? So that you are not surprised as badly. Because you will be surprised.

Thanks, Mom, for that lesson and so many others that have made such a difference in my life.
Happy Mother’s Day.

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