I had a conversation with the compliance director at the Hamline University Athletic Department that included an interesting story about saving people swimming out of control on a river.
Picture this. You could be at the shore of a river where you see people drowning in the river. You are very concerned. These people are risking their life and you want to do something about it. What can you do?
You could look to be a hero and jump into the water each time and try to save the people, or find another way to get them on shore safely. You can possibly save one here and there. You'll feel really good for what you've done.
However, people are still going into the river. You can't keep reacting to these crises indefinitely, right?
What can you do?
You can go upriver to the point where people are getting into the river in the first place, yes? You can warn people of the dangers downstream. This is assuming they don't have another reason for going into the water in the first place.
In this scenario, you can save many more people by intervening at this spot to help others avoid the danger in the first place. You've done a great job, congratulations.
However, what if there are people who are looking to put themselves into harm's way? Reaching those people before they even get to such a decision can have massive impact. However, you can't be expected to do this, right.
If you are a leader of a team or organization, you can.
My college basketball coach taught players to do our work before we got the ball. we stressed footwork and having our hands ready. When uncertainty arose or when quick decisions needed to be made, we had our fundamentals under us to get through the situation. It also allowed us to do creative things because we didn't have to worry about the basics.
Leading a team, a family, or an organization is no different.
Leaders can develop a culture where the foundational work is done early. Caring for individuals and their development will allow others to avoid getting into situations where they can get themselves, the team or the company in trouble or where they want to jump ship.
Real leaders - true leaders - do the behind-the-scenes work that doesn't get recognized often. They don't have to be the hero in the forefront. When I see people trying to do a Mighty Mouse - trying to save the day - I think of how things could have been done better earlier on. They had to swoop in because they were ineffective in the first place.
Do your work beforehand, before you have to "Come to save the day!"