Stop the Train!

Simply put: A train wreck is the aftermath of a train crash.


The term often serves as a metaphor for any disaster which is large in scale and readily seen by public observers.

We all have "train wrecks" in our lives.  Sometimes we are in the middle of it and other times we are the spectators.  Although I am not sure which is worse-to be part of it or to watch it happen? Both are equally painful.


Watching a "train wreck" is difficult because you are helpless.  The people involved usually are completely unaware and by the time they figure it out-it is too late.


Damage is done.


I have been thinking a lot lately about how we, as leaders, can prevent the "train wrecks" on our teams we lead?  I don't have the right answers and don't claim to be an expert-but I wanted to share what I have been pondering..


Below are 5 ways I believe we can STOP THE TRAIN before it crashes!


1. LISTEN. If we want to lead a healthy and successful team, I believe we must be able to see outside of ourselves.  Most of the time, the way we see outside of ourselves is by getting another perspective.

What would a spectator want to tell the train conductor?

Slow down! Stop! Pay Attention!

It is easy to get comfortable with our day to day routine that we forget to pay attention! Outsiders could give us the kind of feedback that could prevent train wrecks!


2. MOVE!  Once you have received feedback about potential "danger" then MOVE!  Leaders can't just pretend there is no threat on their teams!  Leaders, we must face it and address the issue quickly.  Sometimes this means having a heart to heart with another person on your team and while believing the best in them, raise the bar of accountability and give a timeline to see results.  If you don't move-then others on your team will not only lose trust in the "weakest link" but also in you and YOUR LEADERSHIP!


3. SAY SOMETHING!  As a leader, your team knows how the train is moving. Sometimes, your team might be aware of what is going on before you do-they are waiting for you to notice.  The longer you take to acknowledge "danger" the less they will trust you.  You can not ignore the pink elephant in the room!  CALL IT OUT!  Your team wants to know that you see the problem and they also want to know that you are working on it-and that you would love to hear their ideas on the matter!



4. CALL FOR HELP!  If the problem is too big for you to handle on your own, then call in reinforcements. A neutral third party is a great way to get your team around the table and coach you in a better direction.  This is not a sign of weakness but a sign of good leadership and how much you value everyone's perspective around the table.


5. PASSANGER SAFETY.  There is a clear difference in those who are on your team and those who your team are there to serve.  As a train conductor, you can not let your ego get in the way of protecting your passengers. Those on the train don't care who stops the train-they just want the train to stop!  As a leader, you need to recognize that there will be people on your team that will question your decisions and have better ideas than you-and if your ego gets in the way, then you know who looks bad?  YOU. 


Church leaders, leading a church has nothing to do with our preference and our ego.  Like conducting a train, our job is to see that our "passengers"  reach their  final destination.