Custodial-Leadership.

After driving a couple of hours on my way to a meeting this morning, I pulled into to a rest stop along the interstate to get out of the thick fog that blanketed the area to take a break. As I walked into the rest area building, I was greeted by the area’s custodian. He was taking a break from mopping the floor and had poked his head out the entrance door for a breath of fresh air.

We talked about the fog and he mentioned that he had to drive pretty slow coming into work earlier in the morning because of the limited visibility. He asked me how my drive had been and I told him the fog was slowing me down a bit too. I was feeling a bit in a hurry to get back on the road as I was worried about being late for my meeting, but as the custodian talked some more about how fast people drive and the accidents they get into as a result, I started realizing the gift he was giving me by reminding me to slow down.

We talked some more, I thank him for the talk, and eventually I walked slowly back out to my car, noticed a squirrel scampering across the snow, and headed on my way. I drove on at a much more relaxed and aware pace, and made it to my meeting with plenty of time to spare. Sometimes when I slow down enough, I find many wise people out there practicing the fine natural art of leadership.