At First Blush

Posted on by Scott

skin-3358873_640While traveling last week, I popped into Dairy Queen for a post-meeting milkshake. As I approached the counter, the cashier looked up and asked “How can I help you?” Before I could answer however, he spoke again. “You know, I can give you the senior discount.”

At first I was surprised, then amused, and finally more than a little bit offended. Yes, I have gray hair. That, combined with the suit I was wearing no doubt signaled “old guy” to the young man standing before me. I don’t feel old; at least I didn’t until this encounter.

In the days since, my mind keeps going back to that interaction. I’ve been wondering how often I make snap judgments about people based on split-second observations. We all do it. Research shows that first impressions are formed within the first three seconds. One study from Princeton conducted in 2006 found that 100 milliseconds (one tenth of a second) is all it takes – a single glance is enough to form an opinion. It happens so quickly that neither party realizes it.

As soon as you see someone, your mind forms an opinion based on their appearance: their body language, demeanor, mannerisms, and the way they are dressed. Before a single word is exchanged, the impression is created. And that impressions colors the behaviors that follow.

How we treat someone depends more on our initial impression of them than anything else that follows.

What’s truly frightening is just how strong first impressions can be. Time doesn’t necessarily make much difference. Even when confronted with contradictory evidence, first impressions form our dominant opinion about someone for months after the initial encounter. That fraction of a second sets the stage for the entire relationship.

Look for information on impacting first impressions and you’ll find plenty of tips on how to dress, act, and speak. But all of these suggestions put the responsibility for managing first impressions on the wrong person. I believe the real challenge isn’t to work harder at creating better first impressions, but to change the way we look at people.

When a customer or coworker approaches, what do I see? An interruption, a nuisance, a problem? An opportunity, a challenge, a possibility?

Looking back, I can see that I too formed a split-second opinion about the cashier. His youthful appearance and casual demeanor instantaneously created an image of a disrespectful, uncaring employee. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe he was just trying to be friendly and helpful by offering what he thought was a kind gesture.

Is it possible to train our minds to remain open for longer than a fraction of a second? Could we choose to ignore the initial mental image that’s formed in order to pursue something more meaningful? I’d like to think so. The answer lies in challenging our first impressions; in believing there’s more to the story than can be revealed in a single glance.

Perhaps a second opinion is needed.

Rules of the Road

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car-1149997_1920On January 2nd, I got behind the wheel of a Kia minivan, fired up the ignition, and pulled out onto the wrong side of the road. Well, at least it felt wrong to me. I was in Perth Australia where, it being a former British colony, people drive on the left side of the road. As the driver, I sat on the right hand side of the vehicle; all of the van’s knobs and switches were located on the opposite side of what I was used to.

I’d been dreading this day for months. As part of my vacation in Australia, the plan was to rent a car and drive to the rural area where my great aunts live. For six days, I was to be the chauffeur for them and the rest of my family as we took in the sights and visited locations where my ancestors had settled. I was nervous, not just because driving under such conditions took me into uncharted territory, but because so many people were counting on me to get it right.

We often avoid things that make us uncomfortable, even when we know there’s great benefit in stepping out of our comfort zone. We’re wired that way; we seek out experiences that bring us comfort or pleasure, and actively avoid those that make us nervous or bring displeasure. Yet a key aspect of leadership is the willingness to embrace the unfamiliar in search of the beneficial. Whether it’s making that dreaded sales call, coaching an employee for the first time, or driving on the left side of the road, astute leaders use the same approach to conquering each new task.

First, they start with a plan. The last thing you want to do when driving a foreign vehicle in a foreign country with foreign rules of the road is to wing it. But guess what I did? My first test was simply to get from the rental agency back to the hotel so I could pick up the rest of the family. It was only a few blocks away, and I assumed I could find my way. Naturally, I took a wrong turn and wound up on a freeway headed out of town. It was only when I stopped and pulled out the GPS app on my phone did the correct path reveal itself. With the map laid out in front of me, I quickly got back on track. Have a clearly defined plan and follow it.

Secondly, smart leaders move slowly, especially when operating in uncharted territory. I did get this one right. Driving in such unfamiliar circumstances meant I had to focus on each and every small move I made. For instance, I had to remind myself which side of the vehicle to get into for several days before it became routine. Driving required an incredible amount of mental energy simply because it was all new. I was frustrated to be struggling with what should have been (at least in my mind) a basic activity. Yet by moving slowly, I was able to ensure I did things correctly and build up a habit of properly executed moves. Take your time and get it right.

Finally, make sure you ask for help. Leaders never succeed alone. I quickly learned that any time I got behind the wheel, I wanted someone in the passenger seat to help keep me on track. Having an extra pair of eyes to look for obstacles, identify landmarks, and point out next steps made a world of difference. The same goes for any new task you take on. Ask for help. Use the resources that are available to you.

I’m happy to report that my time behind the wheel didn’t result in any traffic accidents. By following a plan for each trip, taking it slow, and relying on others to help me, I successfully navigated my way all over Western Australia. I wouldn’t say I mastered every aspect (I kept reaching for the turn signal and activating the windshield wipers), but I was able to get the team from point A to point B. Where does your team need to go this year?

The Quest for Joy

Posted on by Scott

person-731243_1920The hottest title on Netflix right now is Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Based on the professional organizer’s 2014 book, and introduced to coincide with New Year’s resolutions, the show has everyone talking. Fans are quick to share how Kondo’s KonMari method has changed their lives. Detractors will tell you why it simply doesn’t work for Americans. And everyone is talking about joy.

I was introduced to this phenomenon one recent evening when I walked in on my wife watching the premier episode of Tidying Up. At the center of the show, and the KonMari method, is the idea of joy. When you hold an item, say a sweater from your closet, does it “spark joy?” If that sweater sparks joy, then keep it. Store it in a way that allows you to access it and benefit from the joy it brings. If there’s no spark, then respectfully let it go and move on.

That word “joy” is key. It’s a noun, meaning a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. The KonMari method of organizing is all about surrounding yourself with those things – and only those things – that make you feel positive emotions. If something sparks negative emotions, like anxiety, fear, or even sadness, then remove it.

But few people realize that joy is also a verb. It stems from the Latin word gaudēre, or rejoice. When the things around us spark joy they cause us to take action. We feel encouraged and affirmed; and act in order to repeat those feelings. We take further action to continue the process of sparking joy.

I spent part of the last long weekend tidying up my workshop. As I did so, I reflected on this idea of surrounding myself with things that spark joy. I wound up throwing out a lot of stuff. There were tools that didn’t work, and that I’ll likely never get around to repairing. There were wood scraps and fasteners that I’d been telling myself (for far too long) might come in handy. I kept those items that I felt brought me joy – tools that I like using because they work well and allow me to accomplish a job effectively, and materials that I plan on using in specific projects during the upcoming weeks. My next step is to organize them in ways that honor their purpose and allow me to access the joy they represent.

Back in the office, I’ve still been thinking about this idea of sparking joy. Only now, my thoughts have turned to the people around me. Have I surrounded myself with people who spark joy? Do they make me smile? Do they cause me to feel encouraged? Does their presence motivate me to take action; to contribute in meaningful ways? Am I happy to be in this space because of them?

And more importantly, what about me? Do I spark joy in others? Given the choice, would the people I interact with choose to honor me and the feelings I generate in them? Or would they decide to respectfully part ways? Would they tidy up by eliminating the clutter I represent?

Before you answer, give me some time to work on a few things. The KonMari method is an introspective process, and it takes time. Decisions this significant aren’t meant to be made lightly. I suspect there are changes I need to make in order to be capable of sparking joy in others. I believe I have a little more tidying up of my own to do.

The Conversation

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conversationIn 2008, the city of Perth in Western Australia adopted a program called “Forgotten Spaces.” Focused on the city’s central business district, the plan focused on revitalizing the downtown area by updating its laneways and arcades; the narrow streets and alleys located between the towering office buildings. These spaces offered intimate potential settings for small shops and bistros – just the kind of environment city officials hoped would bring people (and their money) back to the city at the end of the workday.

As part of the plan, the laneways needed a facelift. At the time, they were used by delivery vehicles, for storage, and as trash dumps. They were dirty and uninviting; definitely not the kind of place you’d want to spend your evening. After addressing these logistical issues, officials invited local street artists in to paint murals in these forgotten spaces. This move helped to spur curiosity and the laneways slowly transitioned into desirable hangouts.

I recently toured some of these laneways and saw firsthand the results of this revitalization effort, including the artwork. On a wall overlooking Howard Lane, this piece drew my attention and really made me think. It was created by local artist Stormie Mills and is called “The Conversation.”

I don’t know about you, but there doesn’t look to be much conversation taking place in this scene. Given the goal of the “Forgotten Spaces” project, to bring people together, this piece of art appears to represent the opposite. One character isn’t even part of the discussion, while the two that are don’t appear to be very happy about it. Rather than conversation, it seems to depict isolation and exclusion. But perhaps that was the artist’s point.

Much of what passes for conversation today is anything but. In my opinion, most interactions with other people are short, one-sided, and do little to bring people together. In our rush to accomplish the next task, we’ve stopped talking with other people in favor of talking at them. In other words, we’ve forgotten what real conversation is.

When I think of meaningful conversation, here’s what comes to mind:

  • It starts with an invitation. All of the great conversations I’ve been a part of began with someone asking me to participate. They’re kicked off by one person expressing a desire to share in discourse with another. They aren’t demands, or official meeting requests; they are invitation to explore ideas with someone else.
  • It includes good questions. In a meaningful conversation, I’m asked what I think, how I feel, and how I would like to proceed. I’m not merely subjected to someone else’s ideas or given a task list. My thoughts matter.
  • It involves a lot of listening. When I’m engaged in a meaningful conversation, I’m allowed to share my thoughts without interruption. I’m not talked over, shouted down, or ignored. The other party doesn’t just hear me, they listen. That means they aren’t simply waiting for me to stop talking so they can voice their next point. They’re actively engaged in processing what I’m saying so that they understand me.
  • It’s a two-way street. A conversation is a dance. It’s a give and take. I ask a question, and you share your thoughts. Then I share some information as well. Conversations are not one-sided, so both parties honor the obligation to balance the speak/listen dynamic.
  • It’s positive. Great conversations leave you happy they took place. You walk away enriched in some way – educated, inspired, affirmed. Meaningful conversations end with both parties looking forward to the next encounter.

Perhaps Mills was trying to spark meaningful conversation through this piece of art. Maybe the intent is to create a spark so that people visiting this particular laneway would stop to think about their interactions with others. I invite you to share this image with your team and see what conversation takes place.

Making Memories

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photo-256887_640If you are of a certain age, you may be familiar with the name Marilu Henner. A film and television actress, Henner became famous for her role as Elaine Nardo in the sitcom Taxi during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. In the 90’s she went on to host her own talk show and has written several books on diet and health; but it is her role on Taxi for which she is most remembered.

Henner also remembers her time on the show. In fact, she remembers just about every detail from every episode; from what she wore to what each actor’s lines were, and even what the weather was like on each day of filming. She remembers the minutiae from other days of her life as well, because she is one a handful of people around the world diagnosed with hyperthymesia. This condition is also known as “total recall syndrome.” Henner can remember just about every detail from every day of her life since she was 11 years old.

Imagine having every moment of your past available for recall instantly; everything you ate, wore, and did played back in your mind as if it had just happened. Would that be a blessing or a curse? You’d be able to relive all the best moments of your life any time you wanted, but then you’d also be subject to the worst of times suddenly flooding back as well. My wife often jokes about my poor memory, but I’m starting to think there are some details of my past I’d just as soon forget.

Scientists say that, for most of us, emotion plays a huge role in what we remember. It’s why I can’t recall what I had for lunch yesterday, but remember in vivid detail where I was and what I was doing on September 11, 2001. Lunch didn’t make much of an emotional impression on me. The raw emotions I experienced on 9/11 anchored the events of that day firmly in my mind.

Dr. Shahram Heshmat of the University of Illinois at Springfield says that “emotion acts like a highlighter pen that emphasizes certain aspects of experiences to make them more memorable.” In other words, strong emotion equals strong memory. The stronger the emotion associated with an event, the more starkly the details of that event are highlighted in the memory centers of our brain.

Knowing this, can’t we use the power of emotion to influence how people remember their interactions with us? Shouldn’t we? After all, if our goal is remain top of mind – if we want customers to return for more business and coworkers to act in ways that make our jobs easier – shouldn’t we do our best to create strong positive emotions associated with our time together? It seems to be me that this very concept is the strongest competitive advantage we could develop.

Think about it. What if every time a customer thinks about our organization, positive emotions were to flood over them? They may not be able to recall exactly what we said or did to make them feel so good, but that’s OK. It’s the emotional aspect of the memory that counts. It’s the positive feelings, more than any specific detail that makes us want to continue in any relationship.

In 2012, Henner published Total Memory Makeover: Uncover Your Past, Take Charge of Your Future. In an interview about her book, she described her own feelings about her unusual gift. “Your past is in you and on your mental hard drive … whether you remember it or not. It’s what makes you behave and do things in your present. So why not explore it for all it’s worth?” She’s learned to use the power of memory as a resource, utilizing it to craft the future. I find that a tip worth remembering.

Say Cheese!

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macaca-nigra-536991_640On April 27, 1981, John Eric Hastrick was visiting the Grand Canyon. In an effort to get the perfect picture to commemorate his time there, Hastrick climbed over the rock wall intended to keep tourists from venturing too close to the edge. He turned his back to the canyon and focused on his camera, continued backing up while trying to frame his shot. He soon lost his footing and plunged 330 feet to his death.

In their 2001 book Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon, Michael P. Ghiglieri and Thomas M. Myers document this and numerous other instances of people who met their demise while posing for photographs from the rim. According to their records, roughly 20% of those who died from a fall at the National Park did so during the act of photography. In trying to get just the right shot, they ignored safety warnings, crossed barriers, and put themselves into precarious positions.

Although self-portraits date back to the early days of photography, the term “selfie” didn’t appear until 2004. Once the iPhone 4 debuted in 2010 with a front facing camera, the trend took off. Soon people were posting ever more elaborate selfies. To be noteworthy these days, you have to be doing something interesting in an interesting place; a trend that often leads to disastrous results. And the selfie trend has only increased as new tools and smartphone apps provide new ways to frame ourselves.

A recent study published by the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care cites death by selfie as a growing concern. Self-absorbed individuals have died in increasingly bizarre ways while chasing their next selfie. People have been hit by trains, drowned, run over by cars, and, just like John Eric Hastrick, fallen from significant heights – all while focused on themselves as opposed to what’s going on around them. This led the authors of the study to suggest we establish “no-selfie zones” at potentially dangerous tourist locations to protect individuals from harming themselves in this way.

Do you have a no-selfie zone?

What’s the focus of your day… yourself, or others?

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our own agendas. We worry about what makes us comfortable or happy. We fret about who likes us or recognizes our work. We spend our days in selfie mode when all around us are opportunities to do something more worthwhile. We could serve others. Yet we lose sight of the good we could be doing and instead chase after the next selfie moment – the next chance to satisfy our own egos.

What if we declared our own no-selfie zones? What if we decided to focus our attention on those around us who really deserve it?

Our customers.

Our coworkers.

Our team members.

Taking a selfie is not inherently a bad thing. I’ve been known to pose for one or two myself; but to be honest, I’m really not that interesting. Many of my fondest memories involve focusing on someone else; helping them. It’s my acts of service that actually frame me the best. It’s then that I’m shown in the best possible light. My proudest moments are those in which I’m able to assist a customer or a member of my team in accomplishing their goals. Those are memories worthy of a picture.

Sailing Into the Unknown

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sailing_cart
Photo: Amber Word

In 2016, accomplished sailor Falcon Riley began dreaming of a different kind of voyage. He was in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, traveling from San Francisco to Guam when he began fantasizing about Mongolia. He’d written a report about Genghis Khan as a child and had been drawn to the idea of visiting ever since.

A trip across the wilds of Mongolia sounded like an interesting adventure; but how to navigate the terrain? The long stretches of bleak, uninhabited landscape would make hiking it almost impossible. If only he could sail across the country, he’d be able to match his dream with his expertise. Unfortunately, Mongolia is landlocked, so sailing was out of the question. Or was it?

Riley began sketching out a simple box with wheels and a sail, in essence a sailing cart. Over the next year and a half, we returned periodically to his design, trying to factor in elements like a sleeping space, storage for food and gear, and a steering mechanism. Finally, in April of 2018, Riley and his girlfriend Amber Word (whom he’d met in Guam) arrived in Mongolia.

With just $200 and a huge language barrier, they began sourcing materials to build their cross-country vehicle. After several days they’d scrounged up enough plywood and other materials to begin construction. They befriended a local builder who loaned them his tools and some shop space. With his help, the couple soon had a workable “ship.” They caught a ride to the end of a dirt road and set off.

Like so many of the stories I share, I believe this journey holds valuable lessons for us. Regardless of your goal, whether it’s setting off on a wild adventure or achieving annual growth goals, the transition from dream to reality can seem daunting. I’m always encouraged by learning how others managed the process. Here are a few ideas I pulled from Riley and Word.

Start with what you have. Two hundred dollars and a sketch. That’s all Riley and Word had when they set foot in Mongolia. They didn’t have a support team. They didn’t have a wealth of resources or the means to acquire them. They didn’t even speak the native language. Yet they had a goal to reach and the will to achieve it. So using what they had at their disposal, they went to work. They didn’t wait for perfect conditions; they just got started.

Seek out others who will help. A successful mission meant partnering with other people – people who had knowledge and resources and skills the travelers did not possess. It began with a carpenter who allowed them to use his shop and tools. Other partnerships occurred along the way. Riley and Word encountered families who took them in and offered food. They were helped out by total strangers who offered to assist with repairs. In each instance, the couple attempted to repay the help by performing household chores. They didn’t look for handouts; they accepted partnerships.

Keep moving forward. Completing their trip meant crossing 300 kilometers in a three by nine foot cart. That’s less than 190 miles, but the journey took 46 days. Without lights, they couldn’t travel at night. Frequent breakdowns caused by hitting gopher holes created delays while they sought out tools, materials, and help. And the wind wasn’t always kind. One particularly windy day allowed them to travel 70 kilometers, which means on the other 45 days, they only averaged five. The cart was barely wide enough for them to sleep shoulder to shoulder. They didn’t dwell on the problems; they focused on the goal.

As you embark on this journey called 2019, I hope you will adopt the attitude of an adventurer. Start with what you have. Seek out other who will help you. And above all else, keep moving forward. Keep your eyes on the goal. I’ll see you at the finish line.

One Last Play

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football-1477708_640With less than 60 seconds remaining on the game clock, Scripps Ranch High School had the game in the bag. The San Diego squad had the lead and the ball. All they had to do was snap the ball twice, taking a knee on each play, to continue their winning season. Everyone saw the writing on the wall, including their opponent, La Jolla High. From the game’s start, they knew they were in for a rough one. Two of their starters, including the quarterback were in street clothes, having suffered injuries in prior games.

Only La Jolla lineman Max Smith, a 5 foot 9, 153 pound sophomore felt there was more work to be done on that September evening. When the ball was snapped, he exploded off the line, catching the offense off guard and knocking the ball loose before the Scripps Ranch quarterback could drop to the ground. Smith recovered the fumble, setting up a last-chance play for his team.

Backup QB Diego Solis came in and immediately launched a pass toward the opposite 20 yard line. Amazingly, a receiver was there to make the catch. It was none other than Max Smith, again moving a full speed. This time, he found the end zone and the resulting touchdown snatched victory from the hands of defeat.

As we begin this last week of 2018, it’s easy to feel like time has run out. It’s Christmas Eve after all, a time for relaxing, reflecting, and possibly even looking forward. Few people will approach work this week with the same level of energy they did back in the first quarter when the year stretched out before us and expectations were high. Back then it felt like we had all the time in the world. Now, well the clock is running down and the game is over; practically speaking. All we have to do is take a knee or two and start over with a fresh game and a fresh clock.

But I challenge you to milk to every bit of this week that you can. While everyone else, including the competition, has decided to wrap things up – why not get a couple of really good plays in? Why not use the last few ticks of the clock to give your best effort? You might not win the game, you may still fall short of the goals that were set for this year. But why not give it one last shot?

You might need to throw up a Hail Mary pass; a wild and crazy idea that, if it pays off, will pay off big. Or you might just need to continue executing on the basics, finishing a steady march toward the goal line so that you end the year right where you need to be. Either way, don’t look back at this week and see a missed opportunity. Win or lose, start 2019 knowing you gave 2018 your very best, right to the end.

About Face

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unhappy-389944_640.jpgIf you drive down a particular stretch of Interstate 80 outside Iowa City, you may be surprised to find a trio of giant faces staring at you from a cornfield. Angry Guy, Befuddled Guy, and Disappointed Gal are 12-foot tall cutouts created by artist John Cerney about eight years ago – an installation he calls Emoticons. Similar works can be found in fields along interstates winding through 23 other states.

Cerney took photographs of friends modeling different emotions, enlarged them, and then painted one-foot square panels that were assembled into the final art pieces. His inspiration came from an emerging online trend. He says “people were starting to use emoji’s online at that time, so I thought I would create three faces expressing those kinds of emotions.” It’s been one of the most negatively-received artworks he’s ever created. It seems people don’t like seeing faces that depict confusing or negative emotions.

Go figure.

Cognitive scientist Aleix Martinez says there 21 basic emotions. Six of these (happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust) are called basic emotions, while the rest are combinations of these. A few years ago, Martinez’ team began researching facial expressions across cultures. In particular, they wanted to know if there was a common facial expression that signaled disapproval regardless of the spoken language used. It turns out there is.

They dubbed it the “not face” – furrowed brow, lifted chin, and lips that are pressed together. A mixture of anger, disgust, and contempt, this expression was repeatedly manifested in their research without prompting and across all cultural and language differences. In some cases, such as with those who communicate using sign language, the “not face” is the primary method for voicing displeasure. Speakers could use signing, or just shake their head, but even they tend to rely on the facial expression automatically.

During interactions, we gain more information from a person’s non-verbal behavior than we do their words. When we encounter a negative facial expression, for instance, we give more emotional weight to that than any positive statements the person might be sharing. In fact, we often pick up on facial expressions from several feet away; long before any words are exchanged and adjust our own emotional state (and our behavior) accordingly.

Burned into my memory is an encounter I had with an employee of mine many years ago. She timidly knocked on my door and asked if she could speak with me for a minute. She said “I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a couple of days, but the look on your face told me the time just wasn’t right.” I was shocked. I hadn’t been angry, or preoccupied. There was no reason why I wouldn’t have welcomed an interaction with her. Thinking about it now, it’s obvious that I’d just been walking around with my “not face” on.

So here’s what’s really been on my mind as I thought about this. What emotion does your face communicate at any given moment? Is it happiness, or the “not face?” How would people react to seeing a 12-foot tall rendition of your face on the side of the road?

How’s Your Driving?

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snowscapeOn Friday night Mother Nature passed through Lubbock, leaving behind our first snowfall of the season. Residents woke up Saturday to between seven and twelve inches of snow, with a steady curtain of the white stuff continuing to drop until mid-day. Cold temperatures and icy conditions led local authorities to recommend staying off of the streets if at all possible. But Christmas shopping, weekend jobs, and other responsibilities forced many people out onto the roads.

My son Alex and I were a couple of those who had to get out. We had an obligation that couldn’t be postponed so after a quick breakfast, we hit the streets in my four wheel drive pickup. Making our way through town, it didn’t take long for us encounter the wonders of winter. Children and pets played in the snow, homeowners shoveled their driveways and sidewalks, and there were plenty of great photo opportunities; such as the attached picture from my own backyard.

But it was the vehicles on the road that really grabbed our attention; well, actually it was the people driving them. There were three types of people on the road Saturday morning. Each of them had distinctive goals and observable driving patterns.

There were those like Alex and myself; people with jobs to do and a desire to accomplish those jobs as effectively as possible. These people drive slowly, being careful to avoid the slick spots and allowing other drivers plenty of room to operate. They anticipate changes and adjust their course accordingly. They give themselves plenty of time to stop at a traffic light and move at a speed that allows them to maintain control while making steady progress.

Every now and then, these drivers encounter someone else on the road who makes their commute even more difficult. These are the people who feel the need to drive at top speed regardless of the road conditions. They can’t be bothered to observe safe driving habits, so they speed by others; throwing up a wave of ice and slush (not mention a few choice words) as they pass. They tailgate, applying unnecessary pressure on the people on front of them. Their reckless behavior causes them to slip and slide, putting everyone around them in danger.

And then there are those who clear the way; the street graders and ice trucks. These people were out working in the wee hours of the night, long before the rest of us; working to remove obstacles so we could safely go about our business. It’s a thankless job, and one most of us don’t give a second thought to – unless we encounter a street that needs a little clearing.

Of course, we don’t need to travel through a snowstorm to encounter these people. All three types are out there every single day; on the roads, in our businesses, and everywhere in between. The real question is this: What kind of driver are you?

Are you the kind of driver who works to make steady progress toward your goal? Are you the kind who works to clear the way so that others have a clearer path to success? Or are you the kind who makes everyone else’s journey even more difficult?