In virtually every military or command structure-type movie, there is a story pattern which, more often than not, emerges. The first part provides history and context for the story to come, then the characters are introduced including the rank and file, the mid-line managers, and the top brass, particularly the top gun who is the one everyone is to look to for inspirational leadership. The next part will foretell imminent disaster, then wammo, something happens and many start to believe the end is near. At this point everyone begins to look for the leader with the hope that they will be able to pull everything back from the brink of disaster and save the day. They wait and they hope, but it always seems like it takes way too much time for anything to happen.
The third part is focused on the top leader, who for some reason, is often off to themselves questioning their own ability to lead, searching for the courage to press on, and wondering why they ever took up the mantle of leadership in the first place. For what seems an eternity, everyone waits and hopes, while the reluctant hero remains in the shadows. Then it happens. Something clicks on in the heart and mind of the leader and they decide it’s time to show up. Usually to a surge of inspirational music in the background, they emerge from their melancholy haze of self doubt and step into the picture, usually on the bridge of their ship or in the command tent. Sometimes it’s in the boardroom of their organization. When they walk in, the phrase is heard, “Captain on the bridge.” At that point everyone snaps to attention and the leader begins to outline how the team will overcome the challenges, and soon order is restored and victory is at hand.
Sounds like a great movie, doesn’t it? It’s no different in our lives as leaders. There are many times when we must force ourselves to pick ourselves up and walk back into the scene where our team is waiting for their leader and hoping for a miracle! A huge part of my career has involved large projects and events, so large that the detail lists are staggering, and there are multiple times when everyone on the team is not only afraid that we’ll never pull it together, but are also certain that their leader is out of his mind! I even go through a period where I’m pretty certain of it myself! Then it happens, right on schedule. I wake up one morning and I feel differently; I feel determined; and I can literally hear myself say to myself, “Captain on the bridge!” It always happens and everyone gets to work. I’m not sure if my team is even aware that this happens, and I do hope that imminent disaster isn’t really as close as I feel at 3am when I wake in fear and trembling, but I know it’s there, and I know that when I walk back into the scene, things begin to fall into place.
My encouragement to all leaders is to make sure that you have a “Captain on the bridge!” moment in every project and event, or even in the routine day-to-day operations. Your team is waiting for their leader. It’s time to walk back into the scene.
Lead well.