Hello blank page, it's been awhile. I was on the highway again recently and my random thoughts started taking form. I was thinking that the highway form and function can be symbolic of a team . . . . its direction, dynamic and success. Start with the very basic concept that you merge on to the highway . . . . as you enter a team dynamic you begin by merging your talents and passions with the other team members; yielding to the "flow" of the team already in place (those already at full speed in their travel). You all are headed the same direction at that point at differing speeds, but headed to a destination. The journey begins as you all start heading in the same direction. Team members moving at their own speed and other team members picking up their pace to compensate and adjust. Gaps are filled in the flow by switching lanes (assisting in areas outside their own assignment). Everything is good, the flow is moving along and things are being accomplished . . moving toward the destination is underway. Then, a traveler (team member) decides to take an off ramp . . .a break of sorts or an outright exit. The flow of each traveler shifts and adjustments begin. At the time of the exit the travelers (team members) shift lanes (cover assignments outside their own), adjust speed and compensate to the change in flow. Consider when the traveler decides to abruptly exit, crossing over two or three lanes of traffic to get off the highway . . . .. a crash is highly likely and many travelers (team members) hit the brakes and re-evaluate. Disruption is imminent. In all the shifts, adjustments, merges and exits one thing remains . . . . . the destination. The destination remains constant; it's your vision and the vision of the team to reach an end result. Each traveler wouldn't be on the highway if they didn't know the destination and have a desire to reach it. It's as simple as that.
So, next time you merge onto the highway think about your team. You are on a team whether you recognized it before or not. Your team is with your spouse, your kids, your family, your work environment, your church or other organizations you belong to. What you do affects your team. Each merge, the speed of travel, lane change and exit creates the need for an adjustment by the others on your team. Keep the destination in view, stay on the highway and travel safely.
