Leadership Story

A manager was driving to a very important meeting when he realized he was lost.  He slowed down and noticed a man sitting on his front porch.  He rolled down his window and shouted "Can you help me?  I'm late for a very important meeting, and I seem to be lost."  The person replied, "You are at the intersection of Fifth and Main on a one-way street heading toward the 1500 block.  You're driving 45 in a 25 mile an hour zone, and you're driving skills are a little rusty."

The manager then replied, "You must be an information specialist."  "I am, replied the man.  How did you know?"  "Well answered the manager, everything you said is true, but I'm still lost.  You've not been any help to me at all.  In fact, you've delayed my trip."

The man on the porch replied, "You must be in management."  "I am, replied the manager, how did you know?"  "Well, replied the man, you don't know where you are or where you are going.  You have obviously gotten this far with poor judgment and lack of preparation.  You've made promises which you have no idea how to keep, and you expect others to get you where you need to be.  You are in the same position you were in before you saw me, but now, it's entirely my fault."

From "Coaching Excellence Rite Of Passage"

Robert J. Dahl is a respected leadership expert, keynote speaker and author who energizes and connects his audiences through inspirational stories.  He speaks to leaders of organizations, teams and trade associations throughout the country - specializing in the topics of "Leadership Excellence" and "Leaders in the Making."  Robert J. Dahl has written four books and a Leadership Education Program - "Coaching Excellence Rite of Passage."  His mission is to help serve the people with compassion, empathy and understanding.  He is committed to bringing balance and wellness through leadership training and coaching.  His blog can be read at http://RobertJDahl.blogspot.com.  He can be followed at Twitter.com/RobertJDahl.