The scattered barrage of work and autonomous structure got me thinking this morning about the explicit professional responsibilities and implied social contract between managers and subordinates*. More specifically I was thinking about how one should work when working by yourself versus collaborating with a team. My conclusion was analogous to running versus jogging.
When working by yourself, run. Don't wait for guidance, don't expect some idyllic path to emerge for you to explore. Not a chance! Pick a target, run like hell. "Sprinting" is probably the more appropriate term, but fatigue and exhaustion sets in too early.
When collaborating with a team, jog. Set the pace and manage what the group needs. As team lead, listen and keep your head on a swivel (eyes forward, eyes on
the team). Compromise individual speed for shared success.
When being contemplative, walk. Let your mind slowly explore. No terrain is too difficult at a walking speed. Wander and wonder, both physically and mentally. Plenty of people of do it.
Be Well, Do Good.
BG
* I recognize that "subordinate"s has much of a stinging bite to it. Alternative words, like workers, suggest something communistic. Let's be honest: relative hierarchies are the natural order.