Many years ago, what feels like another life, I was a driver’s ed instructor (in the car) for two seasons while living in Maine. I met and trained many teens how to drive a car, implementing the rules of the road, and more. It was incumbent upon me, or a duty, to make sure each student took the lessons from the classroom and applied them on the road. I wanted them to be the best drivers on the road.
It was an experience that will always be remembered.
While a 9th grader (AKA Freshman) in high school, I was required to take Driver’s Ed. The instructor was… possibly a little high strung at times. But overall, not a bad teacher as he taught the class and trained us in driving. He also was the head football coach, so he knew something about directing students to do their best.
So, then. What is so great about being a driver’s ed instructor? I can think of several qualities of an instructor, but I have decided to look at three, and how they are related to being a great leader. They are:
1. Quickness was imperative. There were a few accidents adverted by my quick left hand (to grab the steering wheel) and a quick right foot. That’s right. I didn’t have a driving wheel on my side, but I had a brake. So, I developed quick reaction time with my left arm (hand) and right foot.
2. Rapport was a benefit. Developing a rapport with the teens came naturally to me. I loved being around teenagers (and still do) because of their energy and sometimes they actually don’t know everything – which can be quite refreshing. Some students really had no idea how to drive. Yet, I did have one student that had driven many times with his parents. In fact, he was so confident he tried to drive with one hand (while he put the other out the window). He tried.
3. Patience was essential. Having to repeat several times the correct way to drive, or look behind you, in the mirrors when necessary….. You get the idea. Patience is always essential working with people, especially with teenagers who knew nothing about driving, or who thought they knew everything.
What does this have to do with leadership?
1. “I’m so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark.” Unknown. That is quick! We should be just as quick – hyperbolic aside – not to be slow to avert or resolve a problem with others or between other people (co-workers, subordinates, friends, family, church members……) Quickness demonstrates both confidence and knowledge: Confident you have the knowledge how to handle and resolve the issue. Great leaders are such as these.
2. Rapport is not required in all relationships. We will never be on the same communicative level with all people we know. However, if you are good at developing rapport with others, then use that talent. It is a benefit that can only enhance your ability to be an effective leader.
3. And it should go with out saying: Patience is required. It is essential. You cannot be an effective leader if you do not have the patience to deal with people. John Wooden once said “Whatever you’re doing, you must have patience” and “there is no progress without change, so you must have patience.”
So, kudos to driver’s ed instructors. They really can teach us something about leadership.
What are your thoughts or stories? Feel free to share them. I look forward to extending this conversation with you.