360 Degree Leadership.

A driver stops to allow another car in from a side street.

Another brakes and waves a mother and child across a busy street.

A car pauses on the road while a driver reverses out of a car bay.

The courteous driver feels virtuous and the recipients of their consideration feel grateful. Waves and nods of appreciation and acknowledgment are exchanged. Two parties benefit and feel that life is fair and kind.

Meanwhile.

Cars bank up behind.

The consequences of two people’s decisions cascade beyond them to a handful, a dozen, or more.

Expectations and understanding of road rules and conventions and etiquette are confounded.

New, risky expectations are created in a child and other observers who may act on them in the future.

One driver makes a decision on behalf of others to inconvenience them without consultation or benefit.

One of the jobs of a boss is to have situational awareness. To have a 360 degree view and understanding of the consequences of their actions. To weigh up a decision in favour of one with the adverse consequences for many. To sacrifice the immediate feel-good of the grateful nod or wave, for the greater good that may never be recognised let alone acknowledged and thanked.

To drive on and leave the car in the side street to wait longer for a natural break in traffic. To compel the mother and child to walk further and cross at the lights or crosswalk. To prioritise the traffic flow over the reversing driver.

To serve the common good.

So much of leadership training focusses on serving the person in front because there’s an immediate payoff.

A good leader - like a good person - is also aware of the consequences of their actions for everyone. Front, side, rear. Fifty metres back down the road and fifty years into the future. In both space and time. And is willing to accept that their awareness and consideration will most likely force them to sacrifice the feel-good praise and gratitude today, for the greater good.

Good leaders - like good drivers - are rare.