I really enjoy management parables. I feel like stories are a powerful way to communicate truth. This is a story of failed leadership.
Most mornings I go for an early morning jog in my neighborhood on the outskirts of Amman. I'm a little overweight so I try to go really early while the streets are still empty. On a recent morning, a large bus pulled into my neighborhood followed by two red Mitsubishi Lancers. About 20 middle aged men donned in tracksuits with bellies larger than mine filed out of the bus and started jogging. The red Mitsubishi Lancers drove alongside the joggers shouting commands and encouragement out of their windows with a bullhorn.
Now this is not the picture perfect military you usually see in movies. Typically a disciplined army runs and chants in unison while the commander runs alongside his men. On this morning however, as the line of joggers began to spread out, the scene became more comical. Whenever one of the Lancers was out of sight, one of the joggers would slow to a walk or even sit down. When the Lancer started approaching, he would jump up quickly and pretend that he had been running all along. It reminded me of a junior high gym class, except for perhaps the macho mustaches.
This is a story of motivation and effective leadership. Leadership is not about telling people what to do, it is about motivating and inspiring. I believe this requires the leader to run "with his men."
So a call to all you aspiring managers out there, get out of your Red Mitsubishi Lancers and start running.