Fixing stalled cars

How do men act when their cars malfunction?

Have you ever seen how people behave when their cars stall?

One type of driver pops the hood, gets out of the car, grabs the toolbox from the trunk, moves to the car’s front, and then the head disappears under the hood as he starts fixing certain parts of the automobile.

The other type comes out of the car, opens the hood, tinkers around with some parts (mostly the battery cables), shakes his head in disgust and disbelief, kicks the tires of the car, finally gets the phone then calls the towing services.

I am the second type. I absolutely have no idea how to repair cars. The only thing I know about them is to get behind the wheel and drive to my intended destination.

So when my car stalled once, I got frustrated and started to entertain the thought of replacing it with a new one (besides, the new model of a car I like is out).

I tried using this episode as a brilliant rationalization to explain to the Ilocana (a loving term I have assigned to my wife and incidentally, I also call her my treasure and treasurer) the merits of selling the stalled car and buying a new one.

And being The Ilocana and the treasurer that she is, she quickly dismissed the idea. One thing we have established in our many years of marriage is that it takes two “Yes’s” to have a purchase. I have to forget the idea when she says “No.”

But let’s go back to our story.

The first type of driver, being knowledgeable enough, knows how to deal with a car that has stalled.

The second one does not know anything about cars, and unless he gets outside help from those who are knowledgeable, he cannot move forward.

Let me ask you, what kind of a driver are you?

You own the car. You have been driving it for a long time, but does that mean that you know every part of it? Do you possess the knowledge and talent to fix the car if it stalls?

The next question is: do you have the right tools in your box and know how to use them?

You are a leader and you drive your team. Not every project you work on will run smoothly. Sometimes a project stalls. The movement slows down and sucks the energy and resources.

You may have the knowledge to fix the project and get it going, but do you have the tools to apply your knowledge?

To tell the truth, there are many leaders out there who pretend they know everything even when they actually do not really know. They’re being driven by their ego and instead of asking for help, they put on the blame game and expect the situation to improve itself.

Wise leaders call for help from those who can provide the assistance needed to move the project forward.

Many leaders are not willing to do this. They hang on to their stupid pride, and meanwhile allow resources to deplete and lose money on the deal.

Perhaps you are the knowledgeable leader, which is a definite advantage, however, you also need to have the right tools in your toolbox in order to fix the stalled car and get it moving again.

You need the tools of constant training as well as the tools of basic knowledge of technology nowadays. Leaders need the tools of understanding the different generational mindset, too, and they sharpen those tools by exposing themselves to leadership trainings.

Leaders also need to borrow tools from others that are knowledgeable. One thing that I have noticed about good and efficient leaders is that they consider everyone their mentors. They fill their minds with brilliant thoughts from others as well.

They read books, ask questions and surround themselves with other smart people, absorb the wisdom that comes from this group and in effect make them smarter leaders.

Don’t just kick the tires and pretend you know when you really don’t. Ask for help and make every moment a learning one that would make you wiser the next time around.

It’s okay if your car stalls, just ask the towing service to bring it to the garage. However, you cannot afford to let your business stall as so many people and their families depend on it.

(Send your high potential leaders and experience two inspiring days with Francis Kong learning leadership and life skills in his widely acclaimed Level Up Leadership this Oct. 27-28 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. For further inquiries contact Inspire at 09158055910 or call 632-6310912 or 6310660 for details.)