Life In The Lane

“Everything’s intentional.”

–     David Byrne, lead singer, The Talking Heads (who’s coolest song ever is here)

The left lane is for passing.  That’s the law.  Seriously.  You can look it up.   So, if we’re driving in the left lane at less than passing speed, we’re doing it intentionally.

For those of you surprised by a Talking Head’s quote under and Eagles-inspired headline — it’s not “Life In The Fast Lane” when it comes to business, it’s life in the lane we choose.

And, when we decide to change lanes, we ought to signal — which is also the law.  (I’m not kidding…)

Lane changes involve a few thought processes:

1. Hmmm, this seems like a nice lane, and I appear to be progressing as planned.
2. Hey!  Those guys are progressing much more better than I am. (“More better” is a technical term…)
3. I gotta get me summa that.
4. Signal.
5. Check your mirror.  Check your blind spot.
6. Change lanes.

How’s that translate?

1. In business, we often seem to be progressing as planned.  Does that speak mainly to our progress or our plan?  An answer worth knowing, and if we’re setting the bar too low, we shouldn’t be too proud of what we’re getting done.
2. Sometimes the “fast lane” isn’t really faster.  Sometimes, it’s occupied by the creeps that hug the shoulder right up to the construction zone and then force their way in.  Or cause a wreck.  But once we determine that the other lane really may be better for us — that it’s sustainable in its advantage — then we move to the next step.
3. I gotta get me summa that.  (It’s beautiful when no metaphor or example is needed, ain’t it?
4. “Hey, team.  We’ve been talking a great deal about what it would take to ____________.  (Sell more, lose less, win more often, retain more clients, increase margins, squeeze out competition, offer more unique advantages to our clients…)  I’ve been thinking about ___________ to address that question, and I’m starting to formulate a plan.  I’d like your thoughts, because I want us to be in a different lane by (date).  First, though, let’s check our mirror and our blind spot…
5. (Think rear-view mirror…)  What have we learned?  Of what does this scenario remind us?  (Think “blind spot…”) What are my biases telling me and why?
6. Execute.  Turn the wheel.  Step on the accelerator.  Go.

Let’s choose the lane that gets us there the best way.  Maybe the fastest.  Maybe the safest.  Maybe the safest and fastest.  And let’s signal before we move over so that we don’t force anyone into the ditch, over the guardrail or into oncoming traffic.  Intentionally.