Subway Storytime…Leadership Lessons From The Bronx
This past weekend, my wife and I, along with our four kids took on the ultimate challenge—getting the whole family (Midwest out-of-towners) onto a crowded Bronx subway after a New York Yankees game. The sea of humanity, the noise, (the smells), and the chaos were all ingredients for what an epic disaster could’ve been. But as any leader knows, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Here’s what I learned about leadership from our intensely wild subway experience.
1. Prioritize and Communicate (Quickly)
Leadership, in any setting, requires clear priorities and rapid communication. While waiting with 40,000 of our closest friends at the subway platform, we had to decide quickly: Who’s holding whose hand? Who’s watching which child? And most importantly, what’s the goal? (Hint: It was to get all 6 of us on the same subway car!). It reminded me of leadership in high-pressure situations—communicate the game plan, be concise, and ensure everyone’s on board (yes, pun intended).
2. Stay Calm When the Plan Goes Off Track
The subway train we needed to board was packed – BEYOND PACKED - and we had to adjust on the fly. Similarly, leaders often face situations where the plan just doesn’t line up as expected. Instead of panicking, we regrouped and decided to live as New Yorkers live – confidently. Staying calm and flexible in the face of setbacks is key to good leadership—sometimes the best strategy is to wait, reassess, and then go for it!
3. Watch for the Small Details
In leadership, it’s not just about the big picture. The little things matter too. And it was my responsibility to handle our ‘littlest of guys.’ I was keeping one eye on the subway doors and one on my youngest child, who couldn’t let go of his brand-new Yankee bat. Just like in leadership, those small details—often overlooked—can make or break your success.
4. Lead by Example
When you’re in charge, people (especially your kids) are watching how you handle adversity. I didn’t want to show my emotions, even while standing elbow-to-elbow with total strangers. Leading by example—whether in a business setting or on a subway platform—sets the tone for how others respond to challenges.
5. Celebrate the Small Wins
Once we finally boarded the train (surprisingly, all kids accounted for), we felt like we had just hit a Aaron Judge-like walk-off grand slam versus the rivaled Boston Red Sox (despite the Yankees losing 1-7 only moments earlier). In leadership, it's important to recognize and celebrate small successes along the way. Whether it’s completing a project or surviving the post-game subway rush (and it was a rush!), every win counts.
Navigating leadership, like navigating a crowded New York subway in the Bronx, requires adaptability, clear communication, and a calm demeanor (full disclosure – I was not always calm). And, as I learned this past weekend, sometimes the greatest leadership tests come in the most unexpected places.