Have you ever felt that helpless frustration of being taken for a ride?
If not, then maybe you have not experienced an auto-rickshaw (Tuk Tuk) ride in India. For some, an ‘auto’ ride is like a death wish on 3 wheels, for some others, it is one of the most essential conveniences to beat traffic and time. But if you are one of those who are not riding in an ‘auto’ then it is a nuisance on 3 wheels that are always threatening to knock you down or scratch your expensive car. So much so, that it is almost fashionable for most living in Chennai or visiting this city to complain about the rude auto-rickshaw drivers and rough rides that follow. Not to mention the ‘not so fair’ fares. But is there a Leadership lesson that we can pick up at the end of this bumpy ride?
Having traveled a few times in these 3 wheeled automobile marvels I have come to realize that there is more to this ride than just the rough side. In fact, if we manage to hang in there through the potholes, sharp turns, tampered fare meter et-all, then this ride can teach us some important lessons for both lives in general and handling the challenges at the workplace.
Lesson 1: Every Problem has a solution
Every now and then we come across a challenge that seems unsurmountable – a challenge that seems to have no apparent solution. An auto-rickshaw driver faces this situation every day in the jam-packed roads with hardly any space to maneuver. And yet, they somehow see as many gaps as there are vehicles on the road. They don’t look at what’s in front but what’s ahead. How do they do that?
They follow 3 simple essentials of leadership
Understand the rules well enough to know when to break them.
If you have any doubts, go on one of those rides where the vehicle cuts an impossibly sharp angle to beat the jam ahead. The auto drivers don't always do this but just when it is essential. Some times, rules don't get you past a hurdle.
It is not a popularity contest
These drivers are not the most popular ones on the road and they don't care about winning hearts either. Cutting through jammed traffic to drop a time-crunched passenger does not always happen if you are Mr. Nice.
Focus on the solution and not the problems
An auto driver always looks for the gaps and not the vehicles in front that is blocking his route. Just as how a good leader looks only for solutions and not the problems in front.
Lesson 2:Unknown angel better than the known devil
When faced with overwhelming problems (heavy traffic) the ‘auto’ almost always goes into roads less traveled and maybe even into streets that have no road. An auto-rickshaw driver knows that a known devil (the main road with traffic) is a devil but is always optimistic about the new routes. It’s their hope for an angel rather than the fear of devil that helps pass the traffic. A gamble is always better than the status quo. You will never find an auto-rickshaw standing helpless in traffic. They always strive to move ahead. So what if you don’t approve of their methods. Often times, our problems are so much a result of our fear of failure and the resulting inaction. Don't you agree?
Lesson 3: Take that first step
An important and fascinating lesson I have learned through an auto ride is how a solution emerges once we are ready to resolve the problem. The trick is to take that first step, however small it may seem. Have you noticed how an auto-rickshaw manages to pass through the narrowest of gaps that were not even wide enough for the front wheel to pass through, to start with? The auto never waits for the complete solution to emerge but works with what it has and lets the answer evolve. Course corrections are part of the norm. True pioneers of the agile methodology I suppose.
Lesson 4: Self Belief
It is easy to believe that for a vehicle on 3 wheels and a high center of gravity to stay on the road without tipping over then it has to be a miracle at play and not just engineering logic. But miracles don't happen every day. Do they? The supreme self-belief of the driver on his driving skills, his confidence about his vehicle's capability, and the knowledge of the road is what makes this miracle happen every day. Essential traits of a true leader. Aren't they?
Always remember, we are never taken for a ride in life. We are only taken on a ride. It is up to us to enjoy the distinction and more importantly enjoy the ride while it lasts.
Next time you get into one of these 3 wheeled marvels, remember not to complain about the nerve-wracking, back-breaking ride. Instead, sit back and enjoy the adventure while it lasts, pick up all the amazing lessons from your journey and get down a better Leader.
