Focus
"We all hope that our judgment is keen enough that when it comes to hiring, we actually have hired the best person for the job. When it comes to hiring one of the company leaders, it's especially important to know that the best possible (or even the best) is part of the organization."It's when an emergency or a disaster occurs and that person is propelled into taking sharp, quick, definitive action that the proof the pudding occurs. There's no time in that situation to shift about looking for the alternatives and waiting for feelings to subside. Nor is there time to be timid. There's time enough for feelings and such afterward. It is imperative that the situation be assessed quickly and accurately and that the best available options are executed on time."
From "When All Are Losing Their Heads," September 11, 2001
It was a time that tested one's mettle. There was danger, intrigue. Through it all, she kept a level head and her wits about her. She proved herself to be an exceptional employee; one worthy of praise and commendation.
What happened? Two Friday evenings ago, the bus I was riding just skimmed by when a big rig broadsided a VolksWagen bug and pushed it nonstop nearly two miles into the next city.
The bus driver (#29526) exclaimed, "Oh my God, he just hit that car!" and from there on, we were on an extraordinary journey of seeing how well one can focus on doing their job and doing it well.
The driver didn't stop the bus. She kept driving. She even stopped to pick up the waiting passenger three stops ahead. That passenger stood transfixed by the horrendous sight of the big rig pushing that tiny white VW bug along the street, the smell of rubber erupting along the boulevard as they traversed their horrid journey.
"Get in!" she yelled at the waiting passenger, "Get in. We're going to be hit!"
The passenger mentally shook himself to realize he needed to board the bus in order to get to safety. No sooner had his second foot cleared the door than the driver closed it and moved forward -- still on schedule, still safe.
The big rig continued is destructive passage. It overtook and passed the bus, eventually stopping about two blocks before one of the main thoroughfares.
The bus driver announced to her passengers that she was taking a detour in order to avoid the mounting traffic jam and accident scene. She didn't say as much but she had a bus and passengers to protect, she had a schedule to keep, and she was about to have it all in relation to the job she was hired to do.
The detour was completed two blocks off her route; she made next scheduled stop on the main thoroughfare -- still on schedule.
In times of crisis, there needs to be someone in control of the situation who maintains their cool in order to lead. This driver was just such a person. In times of crisis, there needs to be someone who will stay focused on the picture and the goal. The driver of this bus did just that. In times of crisis, the leader needs to be able to talk to people and give directions without becoming hysterical. Yes, this driver did that as well as rely on recommendations from others where she did not have sufficient information.
She got a commendation noted in her file the following Wednesday because she stayed focused on three critical things essential to her work and job:
* keep the passengers safe
* keep the bus safe
* stay on time, stay on schedule
See also: When All Are Losing Their Heads
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